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
Best Stargazing Events of June 2014: Night Sky Maps (Gallery)
By Geoff Gaherty published
See what's up in the night sky for June 2014, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.
3 Jupiter Moons Perform Celestial Shadow Dance Next Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
Three of Jupiter's moons will cast their dark shadows on the face of the giant planet Tuesday (June 3), but you might need a computer in order to see it.
'Meteor Storm' May Light Up Friday Night Sky
By Geoff Gaherty published
Earth will pass through a trail of comet debris on Friday night (May 23), perhaps setting up a meteor shower of epic proportions. But experts aren't sure just what skywatchers will see.
Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and More: Don't Miss the Planet Parade in Tonight's Sky
By Geoff Gaherty published
Best Time to Observe the Moon This Month Is Now
By Geoff Gaherty published
As the moon moves from first quarter to full moon over the next week, it offers stargazers a wonderful opportunity to explore another world.
Saturn Season Shines in May Night Sky: Where to Look
By Geoff Gaherty published
Saturn is now making its entrance onto the celestial stage, rising in the eastern sky soon after dark and shining brightly in the southern sky all night long.
Solar Eclipse Will Transform Sun into 'Ring of Fire' Next Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
The sun will look like a ring of fire above some remote parts of the world next Tuesday (April 29) during a solar eclipse, but most people around the world won't get a chance to see it.
Vesta and Ceres: How to Spot the Solar System's Biggest Asteroids
By Geoff Gaherty published
Rare Sight: Mars, Earth and Sun Will Align Next Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
Mars will be exactly opposite the sun in the sky in a rare cosmic alignment set to take place Tuesday (April 8).
Elusive Mercury Visible in March's Dawn Sky: How to See It
By Geoff Gaherty published
Mercury, the elusive planet that orbits closest to the sun, makes an appearance this month in the dawn sky.
Best Time to See Mercury in Night Sky Is Now
By Geoff Gaherty published
Stargazers have the best chance of the year to spot Mercury in the evening sky over the next week, but only if you know how to find the elusive planet.
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.
See Comet ISON Slingshot Around Sun: Live SOHO Spacecraft Views
By Geoff Gaherty published