Greg Quicke, an Australian astronomer known for his distinctive white beard and role as "Space Gandalf," has passed away at the age of 62. Mr. Quicke, who hailed from Broome, a town 2,000km north of Perth, gained widespread recognition for his appearances on the BBC's Stargazing Live alongside Professor Brian Cox.
In the 2017 Stargazing Live Australia series, Greg Quicke played the practical astronomer to Professor Cox’s theoretical particle physicist. He contributed a notable report explaining why the night sky appears different in Australia compared to the UK.
Beyond his television appearances, Greg Quicke had a successful media career, hosting a 10-part series on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) titled A Stargazers Guide to the Cosmos. He was also the author of several books, including Is The Moon Upside Down? and Earth Turning Consciousness.
Greg Quicke was not only known for his media presence but also as a renowned tour guide, conducting "astro tours" in his hometown of Broome. Over 28 years, he estimated that around 100,000 people participated in his tours, an experience cherished by many, including those paying tribute on social media.
Chris Ross of Sydney described attending one of Quicke's tours as "a cherished memory," while Western Australian journalist Sam Tomlin praised him as "one of the great scientific communicators of the modern era and a Broome icon."
Sadly, Greg Quicke had been battling cancer since 2023. Before his passing, a post on his website reflected on the challenges he faced: "Due to some cosmic, physical and other worldly challenges our 2024 stargazing season..."
Greg Quicke's contributions to astronomy and science communication have left a lasting impact, and he will be remembered fondly by colleagues, participants of his tours, and fans around the world.
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