An Australian astronomer known for his appearances on the BBC’s Stargazing Live alongside Professor Brian Cox has passed away at the age of 62. Greg Quicke, hailing from Broome—2,000 km (1,240 miles) north of Perth—was affectionately dubbed “Space Gandalf” due to his distinctive white beard.
In the 2017 Stargazing Live Australia series, Quicke served as the practical astronomer, complementing Professor Cox’s theoretical insights. He contributed a segment explaining the differences in the night sky as viewed from Australia compared to the UK.
His media career included a ten-part series for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) titled A Stargazer’s Guide to the Cosmos and several books, including Is The Moon Upside Down? and Earth Turning Consciousness. Quicke was also a celebrated tour guide, leading “astro tours” in his hometown, with an estimated 100,000 participants over 28 years.
Professor Cox expressed his sadness at Quicke’s passing, sharing a poignant reflection on social media about Quicke’s experience during the 2023 solar eclipse. In 2023, Quicke was diagnosed with cancer. A message on his website prior to his death noted that his 2024 stargazing season would not take place due to “cosmic, physical and other worldly challenges.”
Tributes poured in from attendees of his tours, with many recalling cherished memories. Western Australian journalist Sam Tomlin hailed him as a remarkable scientific communicator, while the tourism organization Destination Broome recognized his positive impact on the community. Quicke often emphasized his passion for helping others understand the cosmos, stating, “We’re on a planet. We’re moving through space.”
