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
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.
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
See Three Asteroids in the Night Sky This Month
By Geoff Gaherty published
Three asteroids are visible in the august night sky, but you have to know how to see them.
Mercury Joins Mars and Jupiter in Night Sky Meetup This Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
See Jupiter, Venus and Mars: Planet Close Encounters in July's Sky
By Geoff Gaherty published
Moon Has Close Encounters with Planets, Star This Month: How to See It
By Geoff Gaherty published
In mid-July 2013, skywatchers will be able to observe the moon moving in relation to Spica and Saturn. Also, Mars and Jupiter appear to move together in the morning sky.
See Venus Near Cosmic Beehive Tonight
By Geoff Gaherty published
Venus is shining low in the western evening sky. On Wednesday, July 3, Venus shines with the Beehive Cluster of stars. Here's how to see it.
Cosmic Scorpion: Scorpius Constellation Explained
By Geoff Gaherty published
The cosmic scorpion constellation Scorpius actually looks like its namesake, unlike many other constellations.
See Mercury and Earth's Summer Solstice This Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
Mercury and the solstice make this a can't-miss week in skywatching.
Trifecta of Celestial Wonders Shines in This Week's Night Sky
By Geoff Gaherty published
The moon, Saturn and the bright star Spica shine together.
Spot Elusive Mercury in Evening Sky Now
By Geoff Gaherty published
Use brilliant Venus to point the way.
Spotted! A Rarely Seen Constellation Shines This Summer
By Geoff Gaherty published
Ophiuchus, a rarely spotted constellation, makes an appearance in the summer sky.
See Jupiter, Venus and Mercury Dance in Sunset Sky
By Geoff Gaherty published
Don't miss your chance to see three bright planets in the night sky.
Best Time to See Moon Mountains in May Is Now
By Geoff Gaherty published
The mountains of the moon are visible for those that wish to see them this month.
This Week's 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse: What You Need to Know
By Geoff Gaherty published
Parts of Australia and the Pacific region will get a rare skywatching treat on Thursday and Friday.
See a Celestial Circus Below Saturn This Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
Bright constellations, galaxies and a globular cluster are on show in the night sky.