Greg Quicke, a renowned West Australian astronomer, television personality and tour guide, has died at the age of 62.
Quicke, affectionately known as “Space Gandalf” due to his distinctive white beard, was a legendary figure in Broome, 2000km north of Perth, where he captivated generations with his “astro tours” and profound knowledge of the universe.
Quicke’s influence extended beyond Broome, gaining national and international recognition through his appearances on ABC and BBC’s Stargazing Live specials alongside Professor Brian Cox.
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He was diagnosed with cancer in 2023.
Quicke’s family said he was “survived by a legion of people whose lives he touched.”
“He brought the universe to us all and translated it into a language we all understood,” the family statement read.
“He was watched by millions of people around the globe and carried out his life work with inspirational spirit and freedom.”
Filled with passion for astronomy
Quicke’s passion for astronomy and philosophy began during his early years working in the Kimberley.
In a 2017 interview with ABC Radio, he emphasised the accessibility of astronomy.
“You think about astronomy and often it’s presented as stuff that’s out there. But my take on it is that we’re on a planet. We’re moving through space. These are things I can take out of your head and I can put them at your feet,” he said.
Known for his practical approach to astronomy, Quicke contrasted Professor Cox’s theoretical perspective during the 2017 Stargazing Live Australia series.
His media career also included the ABC series A Stargazer’s Guide to the Cosmos and several books, including Is The Moon Upside Down? and Earth Turning Consciousness.
Over his 28-year career, Quicke estimated he had guided about 100,000 participants on his astro tours, including a BBC producer who helped launch his international media career.
Professor Brian Cox expressed his sadness at Quicke’s passing, sharing a touching tribute on X: “I love what he wrote on seeing the solar eclipse in 2023. ‘My body spent, my heart full, I crash into a deep eclipse-fuelled communion with the other worlds’. I hope that’s where he is now.”
Despite his illness, Quicke remained committed to his work, but a post on his website, published before his death, announced the cancellation of the 2024 stargazing season due to “cosmic, physical and other worldly challenges”.
Tributes have poured in from those who knew him or attended his tours.
Tourism organisation Destination Broome remembered him as “a rare breed of nothing but good vibes” who “made Broome a better place to be”.
Greg Quicke’s legacy as a self-taught astronomer and communicator of the night sky’s wonders will continue to inspire future generations.