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 Last updated
The biggest full moon of 2010 occurs tonight. What you can see and how best to view the moon.

By Geoff Gaherty Published
What is twilight? Scientists have specific definitions for three types of twilight, and many people in the U.S. and Canada live in twilight through much of the summer.

By Geoff Gaherty Published
This Friday, June 3, Saturn reaches opposition to the sun. Directly opposite the sun in the sky, Saturn rises as the sun sets and sets as the sun rises, remaining visible all night.

By Geoff Gaherty Published
On May 30, Mars will come within 46.8 million miles (75.3 million kilometers) of Earth — closer than the Red Planet has been since 2005. Here's what to expect.

By Geoff Gaherty Published

By Geoff Gaherty Published
When is the best time to look at the moon? Check out the first and last quarter for a vivid view.

By Geoff Gaherty Published
On Monday (May 9), you will have an opportunity to witness one of the rarest astronomical events: a transit of Mercury across the face of the sun. Here's what to expect.

By Geoff Gaherty Published
See what's up in the night sky for May 2016, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.

By Geoff Gaherty Published
Start preparing now for one of the major astronomical events of 2016: On May 9, Mercury will pass across the face of the sun.

By Geoff Gaherty Published
See what's up in the night sky for April 2016, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.

By Geoff Gaherty Published

By Geoff Gaherty Published
See what's up in the night sky for March 2016, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.

By Geoff Gaherty Published
Here's how to spot the faint zodiacal light, the mysterious glow caused by millions of particles left over from the solar system's formation.

By Geoff Gaherty Published
Here's how to see the circumpolar constellations, such as the Great Bear, which are always with us.

By Geoff Gaherty Published
As you gaze at the first-quarter moon this week, you may wonder when the last-quarter moon will occur this month. But there won't be one, if you live in North or South America.
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