Space & Astronomy

Astronomer Sir Patrick Moore dies, aged 89

By T.K. Randall
December 10, 2012 ·  22 comments

Image Credit: Telegraph / Youtube Known for his eccentric style, trademark monocle and unshakable enthusiasm for astronomy, Sir Patrick inspired generations to pick up a telescope and gaze upwards at the stars. Throughout his life he wrote dozens of books on the subject and his observations of the Moon were used by both NASA and the Russians during their early pioneering space programmes. He was perhaps best known for presenting the BBC's flagship astronomy series 'The Sky at Night' for over 50 years.

"Patrick will be mourned by the many to whom he was a caring uncle, and by all who loved the delightful wit and clarity of his writings, or enjoyed his fearlessly eccentric persona in public life," said his friend and fellow astronomer Brian May. "Patrick is irreplaceable. There will never be another Patrick Moore. But we were lucky enough to get one."[!gad]Known for his eccentric style, trademark monocle and unshakable enthusiasm for astronomy, Sir Patrick inspired generations to pick up a telescope and gaze upwards at the stars. Throughout his life he wrote dozens of books on the subject and his observations of the Moon were used by both NASA and the Russians during their early pioneering space programmes. He was perhaps best known for presenting the BBC's flagship astronomy series 'The Sky at Night' for over 50 years.

"Patrick will be mourned by the many to whom he was a caring uncle, and by all who loved the delightful wit and clarity of his writings, or enjoyed his fearlessly eccentric persona in public life," said his friend and fellow astronomer Brian May. "Patrick is irreplaceable. There will never be another Patrick Moore. But we were lucky enough to get one."


Source: BBC News | Comments (22)

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