Geoff Gaherty
Geoff Gaherty was Space.com's Night Sky columnist and in partnership with Starry Night software and a dedicated amateur astronomer who sought to share the wonders of the night sky with the world. Based in Canada, Geoff studied mathematics and physics at McGill University and earned a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Toronto, all while pursuing a passion for the night sky and serving as an astronomy communicator. He credited a partial solar eclipse observed in 1946 (at age 5) and his 1957 sighting of the Comet Arend-Roland as a teenager for sparking his interest in amateur astronomy. In 2008, Geoff won the Chant Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, an award given to a Canadian amateur astronomer in recognition of their lifetime achievements. Sadly, Geoff passed away July 7, 2016 due to complications from a kidney transplant, but his legacy continues at Starry Night.
Latest articles by Geoff Gaherty
Sun to Outshine Spectacular Cosmic Alignment Saturday
By Geoff Gaherty published
The morning sky will play host to a spectacular gathering of solar system objects grouped closely together tomorrow (Nov. 22), but it won't be easy for observers on Earth to see it.
Best Deep-Sky Targets of the November Night Sky: How to See Them
By Geoff Gaherty published
Autumn is the best season of the year for astronomical observing. The bugs of summer are gone, winter’s cold has not set in, and it gets dark at a reasonable hour.
How to Safely Watch Next Week's Partial Solar Eclipse
By Geoff Gaherty published
Millions of people across North America will have a chance to observe a partial solar eclipse next week, weather permitting.
Saturday Night Sky: See the Moon, Pleiades and a Red Star Together
By Geoff Gaherty published
The moon, the famous Pleiades star cluster and the red star Aldebaran will dance together in the night sky this Saturday.
See Saturn, the Moon and Dwarf Planet Ceres in Night Sky Saturday
By Geoff Gaherty published
Uranus Plays Peek-a-Boo with the Moon Tonight
By Geoff Gaherty published
As the moon moves in its orbit around the Earth, it inevitably passes in front of many stars and planet and Uranus will find itself in the moon's crosshairs tonight (Sept. 10).
Newfound Comet Visible in Binoculars and Telescopes: How to See It
By Geoff Gaherty published
Best Skywatching Events of September 2014: Night Sky Maps (Gallery)
By Geoff Gaherty published
See what's up in the night sky for September 2014, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.
The Milky Way: How to See It in the Summer Night Sky
By Geoff Gaherty published
Late summer is one of the best times of year to view the full splendor of our galaxy, the Milky Way. Seeing the Milky Way requires a special effort for most of us, but it's well worth the trouble.
Jupiter & Venus Will Meet Up in the Morning Sky Monday
By Geoff Gaherty published
Get up early any morning this week to see a spectacular cosmic treat: two morning "stars" dancing at dawn.
Spot Perseid Meteors Before 'Supermoon' Rises This Weekend
By Geoff Gaherty published
Many skywatchers love August because the ever-reliable Perseid meteor shower peaks mid-month, but unfortunately, this year's usually brilliant meteor display may be spoiled by a bright full moon.
Best Skywatching Events of August 2014: Night Sky Maps (Gallery)
By Geoff Gaherty published
See what's up in the night sky for August 2014, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.
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