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
Rare Celestial Sight: How to See the Zodiacal Light
By Geoff Gaherty published
Now is a great time to try and see the zodiacal light, a rare celestial sight.
Moon Visits Bright Star Clusters This Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
The moon pays a visit to the Seven Sisters of Pleiades this week.
How to See Uranus in Telescopes This Weekend
By Geoff Gaherty published
The off-kilter planet Uranus hits night sky milestone on Saturday: Opposition.
How to Spot Asteroid Pallas With a Telescope this Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
If you have a telescope, don't miss your chance to see asteroid Pallas in the night sky.
Moon Dances Close to Jupiter, Ceres & Mars This Month
By Geoff Gaherty published
The moon will have close encounters with three celestial bodies this month.
Blue Moon Science: Friday's Full Moon Explained
By Geoff Gaherty published
Blue moons are not really blue. And they're not all that rare, either.
How to Spot Neptune in Night Sky Friday
By Geoff Gaherty published
Planet Neptune is set to reach a night sky milestone on Friday, Aug. 24.
See Mercury and Venus Reach Orbit Milestones This Week
By Geoff Gaherty published
Thursday, Aug. 16, is a great time to look for the elusive planet Mercury in the predawn sky.
Promising Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks on Sunday
By Geoff Gaherty published
Tips for how to see and photograph the Perseid meteor shower.
How to See Jupiter's Moons Perform Shadowy Waltz Monday
By Geoff Gaherty published
Jupiter and its moons will put on a spectacular show for night sky observers with telescopes.
Best Time to See Moon Craters This Month Is Now
By Geoff Gaherty published
Now is the best time of the month to see the moon's many craters.
Mars, Saturn, Moon & Star Offer Quadruple Night Sky Show
By Geoff Gaherty published
July's planet-watching displays are heating up. See how to spot Saturn, Mars and the moon together.
4 Bright Lights in Weekend Sky: See Moon, 2 Planets and Star Together
By Geoff Gaherty published
On Sunday, July 15, the moon, Jupiter and Venus will hover near a bright star.
Milky Way Galaxy at Its Best in July Night Sky
By Geoff Gaherty published
July is a great month to see the Milky Way galaxy across our night sky.
Saturn, Spica and First Quarter Moon Light Up Night Sky
By Geoff Gaherty published
This week's night sky offers a special trio of treats.
Elusive Mercury Joins the Moon in Night Sky Thursday
By Geoff Gaherty published
Mercury is often elusive in the night sky, but here's a trick to spotting the small planet.
Venus Joins the Moon and Jupiter in Dawn Sky
By Geoff Gaherty published
Venus will be a "morning star" until March 2013.
How to Spot June's Best Deep Sky Objects
By Geoff Gaherty published
Here are some tips on how to spot deep sky objects in the sky.
Transit of Venus on June 5 Is Last for 105 Years: How to Watch
By Geoff Gaherty published
The transit of Venus on June 5 will mark the last time humans will see Venus cross the sun in a century.
Must-See Skywatching Events for June 2012
By Geoff Gaherty published
In June 2012, skywatchers can see the event of the next 105-1/2 years, a transit of Venus, plus other notable skywatching occurrences.
Look Up! How to See the Moon's 'Dark Side' Tonight
By Geoff Gaherty published
Wednesday and Thursday offer a great chance for skywatchers to observe the unlit areas of the moon.
How to Spot Asteroid Juno in the Night Sky
By Geoff Gaherty published
Tips for how to spot the asteroid Juno in the sky this week.
Solar Eclipse of May 20: How to See the Sun's 'Ring of Fire'
By Geoff Gaherty published
Many viewers in western North America should get a good look at the eclipse.