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
Jupiter Shines All Night Long Sunday: How to See It
By Geoff Gaherty published
Jupiter will reign as king of the night sky on Sunday (Jan. 5), visible all night long as it reaches opposition. Here's how to see it.
Moon, Other Cosmic Wonders Meet in Christmas Sky This Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
Early risers will have an opportunity to see the moon move through the sky on Christmas Day and throughout the week.
Weekend Stargazing: How to See the Famed Constellation Orion
By Geoff Gaherty published
Winter Star Clusters Dot Milky Way Like Ornaments
By Geoff Gaherty published
Now that autumn is fading into winter, the beautiful winter Milky Way is coming into view in the eastern sky.
See Comet ISON Slingshot Around Sun: Live SOHO Spacecraft Views
By Geoff Gaherty published
See Two Comets and Planet Mercury in Pre-Dawn Sky This Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
This week in the hour before sunrise early morning stargazers will get a double treat: the planet Mercury and two special comets.
See Venus Shine Near Crescent Moon Tonight
By Geoff Gaherty published
The moon will pass just north of the planet Venus tonight (Nov. 6), making a pretty pairing in the southwestern sky, weather permitting.
Cosmic Lights: Bright Venus, Solar Eclipse Dominate Sky This Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
This week marks two celestial events characterized by cosmic objects that are either far apart or very close.
Autumn Galaxies Reign in Night Sky This Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
As Earth moves in its orbit around the sun, new constellations are revealed in the east as the old ones disappear into twilight.
Partial Lunar Eclipse Occurs Friday: How to See It
By Geoff Gaherty published
The moon will dip through part of Earth's shadow in a partial lunar eclipse on Friday (Oct. 18), but it may be tough to see for skywatchers in North America.
Jupiter Moons Perform Cosmic Shadow Dance This Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
Three of Jupiter's largest moons will cast their shadows simultaneously on the planet below them creating three solar eclipses at the same time: a rare cosmic event.
Monsters of the Night Sky: Strange Constellations to See This Fall
By Geoff Gaherty published
Best Time to See the Moon This Month Is Now
By Geoff Gaherty published
The next few nights are the best times of the month to observe the surface of the moon with telescopes, binoculars or even your naked eye. Here is how to see it.
Neptune Shines Best in Telescopes Now: See It Online Tonight
By Geoff Gaherty published
Moon's Close Encounters with Venus, Saturn & Jupiter Explained
By Geoff Gaherty published
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