Patrick Moore passed away earlier today at age 89. For those of you who are not familiar with him, he was an astronomer, writer and broadcaster presenter of the longest- running television series on the BBC 'The Sky At Night'.

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/dec/09/patrick-moore-eccentric-amateur-tv-star

Sure, I read that news also. Very sad, he was a nice old guy and very much admired.

I was a huge fan. Patrick Moore was the man that got me interested in the wonderful world of Astronomy. I bought his book “New Guide to the Planets” in 1993 and it's still on my shelf along with many more of his books.I have to say that I find Brian Cox equally as passionate about the subject, the baton has been passed on.

 

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2090883/Brian-Cox-Hes-astronomer-Patrick-Moore-turns-telescope-young-pretender--concedes-hes-really-good-ex-rock-star.html

I was on the MS Monte Umbe in June 1973 to observe a total solar eclipse off the coast of Mauritania, West Africa. Patrick and the BBC Sky at Night team were there to see the longest eclipse until 2150!

 

It was an experience I will never forget. Patrick Moore was a legend and the only man to have shaken the hand of the first man to fly (Wright), the first man into space (Gagarin) and the first man on the moon (Armstrong).

 

RIP Patrick. You brought a lot of pleasure to many people.

He was also a Navigator in the RAF when the world went mad, so now a new star shines in the heavens.. RIP