Astronomer, Meteorologist, and Science Editor
Joe Rao is an instructor and guest lecturer at New York’s Hayden Planetarium and a widely published science writer specializing in astronomy. He regularly contributes to Space.com, Natural History, Sky & Telescope, and other publications, focusing on solar eclipses, comets, meteor showers, and observational astronomy.
An eight-time Emmy-nominated meteorologist, Rao has observed 14 total solar eclipses from locations around the world. In July 2023, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) honored him by naming asteroid 20009 Joerao in recognition of his contributions to astronomy communication.
Highlights at a Glance
- Associate and Guest Lecturer, New York’s Hayden Planetarium
- Eight-Time Emmy-Nominated Meteorologist
- Recipient, American Astronomical Society (AAS) Solar Physics Division Popular Writing Award
- Recipient, Astronomy League’s Walter Scott Houston Award
- Honored by the International Astronomical Union with the naming of asteroid 20009 Joerao
