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

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.

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.

By Geoff Gaherty Published
Millions of people across North America will have a chance to observe a partial solar eclipse next week, weather permitting.

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.

By Geoff Gaherty Published

By Geoff Gaherty Published

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).

By Geoff Gaherty Published

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.

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.

By Geoff Gaherty Published
Get up early any morning this week to see a spectacular cosmic treat: two morning "stars" dancing at dawn.

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.

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.
Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!











