Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy Pairs Cosmic Beauty With His Rescue Cat’s Charm
Space has a way of making us feel small. When we look up at the night sky, those distant points of light seem unreachable, almost cold in their perfection. Yet every so often, someone manages to bring that vastness closer - turning something as incomprehensible as a galaxy into something that feels human.
That’s what astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy has done with his latest project, and this time, the stars aren’t the only stars of the show. McCarthy, who’s built a reputation for capturing mind-bendingly detailed photos of solar flares, eclipses, and nebulae, has teamed up with his rescue cat, Gregory, for what might be his most unexpected creation yet: the 2026 “Cosmic Cat Calendar.”
The concept is exactly what it sounds like, a mix of extraordinary cosmic imagery and the charming antics of one small cat who seems determined to steal the spotlight from entire galaxies.
Each page of the calendar features one of McCarthy’s signature space shots, a glowing eclipse, a swirl of stars, or the hazy outline of a distant nebula - paired with Gregory’s curious, sometimes bewildered reactions. Everything somehow does, turning serious astrophotography into something funny, tender, and oddly relatable.
McCarthy has always had a gift for showing people the wonder that’s hiding in plain sight. His earlier projects, such as ultra-high-resolution moon mosaics and photos capturing the International Space Station in front of the sun, earned him a huge online following. But this new calendar feels more personal.
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It’s about companionship, patience, and finding joy in unexpected places. As McCarthy explained in one post, Gregory wasn’t just a subject but a partner in the process.
“He’s always by my side when I’m working,” McCarthy said.
“If I’m setting up the telescope, he’s watching. If I’m editing, he’s sitting on the keyboard. So I figured, why not make him part of the art?”
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There’s also a good cause behind the cuteness. A portion of the calendar’s proceeds goes to the animal shelter where McCarthy adopted Gregory, helping other cats find safe homes.
It gives the whole project a sense of purpose beyond art or humor, showing that even a photo of a cat staring at Jupiter can make a small difference on Earth.
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Andrew McCarthy is a stellar astrophotographer whose work brings the night sky into vivid focus for everyday viewers. He pulls off ultra-high-resolution images of the Sun, Moon and beyond, often pushing the technical limits to capture detail that stops people in their tracks.
His mission is simple but powerful: connect people with the universe and spark fresh curiosity about celestial exploration.
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The “Cosmic Cat Calendar” feels like something only McCarthy could pull off. It’s equal parts scientific precision and playful storytelling. It reminds people that even in a world obsessed with technology and data, the best moments often come from simple things, a rescued cat, a clear sky, and someone patient enough to notice both.
For McCarthy’s followers, it’s a delightful surprise. For everyone else, it’s proof that space doesn’t have to feel distant. With a curious cat by your side, even the Milky Way can feel like home.
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