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
![First Quarter Moon, July 2014](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BkgCeAaXdH8BF32qnpTohk-320-80.jpg)
Best Skywatching Events of July 2014: Night Sky Maps (Gallery)
By Geoff Gaherty published
See what's up in the night sky for July 2014, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.
![Scorpius Sky Map, June 2014](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PrXJAgdFAQg9CfqdYRZNXY-320-80.jpg)
How to Spot a Scorpion in the Night Sky
By Geoff Gaherty published
Scorpius is one of the prettiest constellations in the sky, and one of the few that actually resemble their names.
![Summer Solstice 2014 Sky Map](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WmZeWHUWYW9KitnUErpske-320-80.jpg)
Longest Day of the Year: Summer Solstice Arrives Saturday
By Geoff Gaherty published
The Earth will reach one of its four major way stations Saturday (June 21) during its annual trip around the sun.
![Earth and Moon from Mars, June 7, 2014](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yW9ESa25crCsxnC7seFWGM-320-80.jpg)
Full Moon of June a Delightful Boon for Stargazers
By Geoff Gaherty published
Over the next few nights, the full moon will be riding low in our summer sky. The full moon of June rises overnight on Friday, June 13. Here’s what to look for to see the June full moon.
![Arcturus in Boötes Constellation Sky Map](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CkvuoV5U44GqpuRRCUEKvG-320-80.jpg)
See Double Stars in the Night Sky: A 'Starhopping' Guide
By Geoff Gaherty published
Double star systems in the night sky can be spotted in binoculars and telescopes if you know where to look. See how 'starhopping' can help lead the way.
![Full Moon, June 2014](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QE5ab43btrG6b6NPuqGD3L-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Jupiter's Moons Triple Shadow Transit of June 3, 2014](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7GbbpiP9DAVngoE7eyn66H-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Camelopardalis Sky Map](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/URVMjSn4fDUUN2bdaDQb7j-320-80.jpg)
'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.
![On May 14, 2014, just after sunset, nearly all of the naked-eye planets and the moon will be visible, strung out across the southern sky. From west to east, these are Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and the moon.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wWZxdP4dnzbNXftsmFHtvc-320-80.jpg)
Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and More: Don't Miss the Planet Parade in Tonight's Sky
By Geoff Gaherty published
![Gaherty May Moon](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A5uo3qAsB9JPUTRF5si3XS-320-80.jpg)
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 Approaching Opposition with the Sun on May 10, 2014](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QAM7TbXxgRLZJGLbznBKx9-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Our Solar System: Ring of Fire Sequence](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hYRMBQLwtCisZmuube5C57-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Ceres and Vesta April 2014](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pye7cwRUp6GJCrmWeVJbx-320-80.jpg)
Vesta and Ceres: How to Spot the Solar System's Biggest Asteroids
By Geoff Gaherty published
![Red Moon from Zagros Mountains](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Kt5mJx5MFKp5x7jz5geHwn-320-80.jpg)
Four Blood Moons: Total Lunar Eclipse Series Not a Sign of Apocalypse
By Geoff Gaherty published
![Mars, Earth, and the Sun, April 8, 2014](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Eug3V9EWE3zZiAGS9ByBzV-320-80.jpg)
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).
![Mercury in March 2014 Sky Map](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y6aX3fyBwNdmShjWvUMeA3-320-80.jpg)
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.
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