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Today came the sad news of the death of Sir Patrick Moore, aged 89, who has done more than anyone to promote public understanding of astronomy, and who had a special interest in Jupiter. He was well known in Britain, and perhaps to many elsewhere, as the public face of astronomy on TV, where he radiated enthusiasm both for personal observations, and for the latest scientific findings. He spread an appreciation of real science by his own attitude, showing equal pleasure in new discoveries or in persisting puzzles.

His programme 'The Sky at Night' started in 1957 and continued monthly up to now. You can still watch the latest episode (in which, characteristically, he discusses the very latest results from Messenger at Mercury) at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mk7h

He keenly observed all the planets, and especially Jupiter. He was first listed as a contributor to the BAA's Jupiter Section in 1948, and he continued to submit visual observations even into the 1990s, including drawings which were always clear and reliable. I was very glad to know him in his later years, going for recording sessions at his wonderful old thatched house full of astronomical people and memorabilia, and he was always friendly and hospitable, and keen to discuss the latest news about Jupiter.

His greatest legacy must be the thousands of people who have been inspired by him to become interested in astronomy or indeed science in general. They include innumerable members of the public, and all of us amateurs in Britain, and many professional scientists whose interests were first sparked by his books or TV programmes.

He will be much missed but long remembered.

John Rogers

_______________________________

John H. Rogers, Ph.D.
Jupiter Section Director,
British Astronomical Association

I am amateur learner of astronomy. Mr.Patrick Moore is my guide to the field. May his soul rest in peace with GOD

It's hard to know where to start in any tribute to this legend, who inspired so many of us from the 1950s onward. In my case, in Jan 1968, I came across his Observer's Book of Astronomy and, from that point, there was no turning back. At the age of 10 my lifelong interest was decided there and then. In the subsequent years the Apollo Missions, with Patrick always the best performer on TV, just made the addiction to anything 'Patrick' even worse! I would go so far to say that, up to the point where he needed co-presenters to help him, watching each month's Sky at Night was the highlight of each month....as was seeing him 'in action' at a BAA meeting.
I first met Patrick in September 1970 when my Dad took me to a Lunar Section meeting. Despite being 12 he took the time to say Hello.

I think that, for once, in 1957, the right man, was in the right place at the right time and kept his feet firmly on the ground where his status was concerned. As amateur astronomers we were extremely lucky for this to have happened and for Patrick's lifelong commitment to the BAA, writing, and broadcasting, to have carried on right to the end. To be a BAA member for 78 years and front the same TV programme for 55 years is amazing enough, even without the hundreds of books he wrote.

The Universe suddenly seems a much poorer place than I've ever known.......

It was one of those coincidences. I was perhaps 500 yards from where I met him when I heard and it was the person who had taken me to meet him who told me the news.

It's an amusement arcade now I think. Tucked in the corner of the bus station next to Lloyds Bank.

But three decades ago it was Stevenage Bookshop. A tiny, cosy, dimly lit sanctuary of literature in the bustling centre of the New Town. It was here almost 30 years ago that I was taken by my Father, shepherded inside between the tightly packed shelves and made to wait patiently to meet Patrick, clutching my copy of 'Astronomy for the Under 10s'.

I remember being nervous and shy, but when I was introduced he was warm, friendly, interested in what I wanted to ask him and gave me answers that have stuck with me and my astronomy ever since.

He told me to buy a good pair of binoculars and mount them on a tripod, buy a planisphere and learn the sky. He also told me to record what I see and if I enjoyed drawing to have a go at a few sketches. He signed my book and looked up and said 'keep it up' and shook my hand and then in it placed his card. “If you are ever in Selsey do drop in for a chat and a cup of tea.”

From what I know of him since I am sure he meant it. Wish I had taken him up on the invitation.

The binoculars I purchased soon after and they are still with me all these years later. The planisphere and the hunt for a shop that sold one is written into our family lore and as for astro-sketching, well I hope he would have liked some of my efforts.

I for one will miss Patrick Moore, he inspired my interest, educated my young inquisitive brain and I still take his advice and guidance from innumerable books and articles and of course Sky At Night will never be the same.

Very sad news about Patrick it was his books when I was a small boy that started my interest in astronomy . I am now 60 and never lost the interest he inspired he will be much missed.

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of this very gentle giant – in both stature and in the astronomical sense.

From a very early age I was inspired by this man. My first views through a telescope aged seven were made with my Father, who would be reading from one of Patrick’s books or referring to one of Patrick’s star maps as I looked through the eyepiece. My Father was just as inspired by Patrick as I was. Even now some 45 years later, I still dip into the many books I own written by Patrick for some snippet of information, or just for the sake of nostalgia.

I count myself fortunate to have met Patrick on several occasions. During the mid 1990’s I was at a BAA Council meeting being held at Birmingham University. During lunch we all trotted down to the local pub – The Gun Barrels. Patrick walked into the pub which was packed with students, and the whole room went deathly quiet as he walked to the bar. Each young person in that room recognised him. This was the effect this man had on the general public as well as astronomers. I also remember backing Patrick into a corner at the BAA Winchester Weekend (not an easy thing to do) and selling him a 12 month subscription to ‘The Astronomer’ magazine. What an achievement! My friends still remind me of this from time to time.

In February of 2012 I spent a couple of days at Farthings filming for the Sky at Night. This was an experience I will never forget. During the first evening whist the SatN team and crew were busy, Patrick and I had quite some time to ourselves to discuss a whole host of topics – not just astronomy. It was a wonderful experience to be with him in his own home talking about life and astronomy – and Variable Stars in general. A wonderful memory which will be with me forever!

British astronomy in particular and astronomy in general have lost a very special and irreplaceable person. I will never forget him.

This has been an extraordinary year in which we lost three of the great icons of Astronomy and spaceflight: Bernard Lovell, Neil Armstrong and now our own Patrick Moore.

Many tributes have been paid to Patrick and there will be many more. As has been stated, Patrick will best be remembered for enthusing young astronomers. I well remember my first BAA AGM in London in 1973, and of course the first person I met was Patrick who was welcoming people at the door: it was the highlight of the trip for the teenager I then was, being allowed to sign the attendance book with his pen! Apart from his work on the Moon and Jupiter he was a great fan of Mars, and he wrote several books on the planet. As with the Jupiter Section, his first contributions came in 1948, and he carried on observing until 1999. It was of course with the Mercury & Venus Section that Patrick gained experience in being a BAA Section Director, starting in 1956, and Venus was also the subject of several editions of a popular book from his pen.

Patrick's other interests, some of them quite eccentric, kept him in the news and the public eye. He had several pseudonyms: R.T.Fishall comes to mind, and of course Cedric Allingham. The latter's book, Flying Saucer from Mars, was reviewed in the Journal in the 1950s: and yes, the reviewer was PM himself, who famously stated that "Mr Allingham is not a crank". The publisher must have been in on the secret for they published a straightforward Mars book by Patrick in the same year. So many stories associated with the great man!

It was a great honour to have known Patrick and to have worked with him. May he rest in peace.

I first met Patrick as a 10 year old boy in 1970. I cycled to his house in Selsey from mine in Chichester and he spent a good two hours showing me around his study and the observatories. (I remember the tube that would eventually become the 15" Reflector). I left armed with copies of 'The Yearbook of Astronomy' and an invite to come round again in the evening if it was clear. Well it was, and I did and I still remember the wonderful views through the 12" and Saturn through the 5" Cooke was spectacular to my young eyes! Of course, my passion for astronomy was cemented that day, and I have been lucky to have known this great man for the last 42 years.

I will never forget him, his wit and his stubbornness! He has single-handedly done more for amateur astronomy than any other person in history, and surely more than anyone else can ever do again. The legacy he has left us is enormous.

His passing is a great sadness to the whole nation. He was an icon and a British institution (who can ever forget his appearences with Morcombe and Wise!). I shall miss him.

it is high time should be bear to name of honour of late Sir Patrick Moore,Bart. On surface on lunar crater to names it. Am member of Guernsey section of Astromony Society ,La Guerneries society.
He did visit in Guernsey in 1989/90 having met David le Comte and his observation the 16 Inch. Telescope Newtionian type. He loved it this good telescope in lower 52 degree in C.I.
To to deep resepect to the late Sir Patrick Moore, and their family,and his nephew.

There are some people who seem to be a fixed point in one’s life and it is always a shock to lose them. I never worked with Patrick Moore. I never even knew him. The one time I stood next to him at a BAA meeting, when I was 17, I was so overawed that I couldn’t think of anything to say and didn’t like to interrupt him. In hindsight he would most likely have been more than happy to have a chat and offer some words of encouragement. They say you should never meet your heroes because you end up disappointed, but in Patrick’s case I suspect a personal meeting only served to underline his ability to connect with everybody and to pass on his enthusiasm for his subject.

For almost as long as I can remember, he’s been a constant. My first Patrick Moore book was ‘Travellers In Space And Time’ from the early '80s, and it sparked my interest. I learnt my way round the night sky using his ‘Stargazing: Astronomy Without A Telescope’. I joined the BAA because he recommended it. I badgered my father into mounting my 1 inch refractor (previously used for spotting ships at sea) on to a rickety Edwardian camera tripod and it gave me my first views – all be it very small ones! – of the planets. I upgraded to a 60mm refractor not long after. I would climb out of my downstairs bedroom window in the middle of the night to sit on the lawn and spot the tiny disk of Mars. I’d feel tired next day but it was OK, I told myself - Patrick did this kind of thing too. I kept newspaper cuttings about Patrick and other aspects of astronomy. I bought and read many of his books. I never missed an episode of The Sky At Night and videoed a lot of them. I remember in particular the 1989 Voyager 2 encounter with Neptune and Patrick’s programme from the JPL in Pasadena, and his clear excitement at what might be discovered. And I wrote to him a couple of times, especially when buying my 12.5 inch, asking for advice which he happily gave. 'Best of luck!' he wished me. I still have both those letters and will look after them carefully.

One anecdote I can contribute - my mother once bumped into him in Stratford-upon-Avon. I don't know why he was there but he’d been in the town for some time and had mislaid his diary. An unmistakeable figure, he was tramping the streets revisiting all the shops he’d been in and asking all the shopkeepers if they’d seen it, and he had inspired quite an army of people to help him in his search. He said “I’m quite lost without it, it has all my engagements in it.” Then off he went and – one hopes – found it eventually.

I feel very sad to think that he has gone and we won't be seeing him on our screens again. In many books and articles over the years he would refer to some future event and remark that he knew he would not live to see it. That seemed a far off possibility, yet now here we are. It is a consolation to think about all the people he has inspired and who, like me, will remember him forever. Goodbye Patrick, and thank you.

I met Sir Patrick in the late 80's on a visit here to Australia and his enthusiasm for the planets almost certainly led to my interest in imaging of the planets. It is indeed sad to hear of his passing and I send my condolences to his family and loved one.

As a young teen in the 1960's I received a copy of Patrick Moore's "The Picture
History of Astronomy". This was my first real introduction to astronomy. I
devoured it then and cherish it today.

I remember when I first became interested in Amateur Astronomy in the mid 1960's and to my delight coming upon books by Patrick Moore in my local Library. Guide to the Moon, Survey of the Moon, New Guide to the Moon, Guide to the Planets, The Moon with H.P. Wilkins, his translation of The Planet Mars by Antoniadi, and later, The Caldwell Objects, and on and on, not to even mention his wonderful Science Fiction books. He had a tremendous influence upon me. I certainly became interested in observing the Moon and Lunar Domes because of Sir Patrick Moore. I have many of his books which I treasure. I love reading
his books, which I continue to do (some over and over) with great pleasure. I am very lucky he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm for Astronomy so freely to those of us, like me, who would have been lost without his guidance.

An admirable contribution in promoting Astronomy in the public and their
methods to the Amateurs. A great loss for the Astronomical community. May he RIP among the stars.

I am saddened by the news, we all knew Sir Patrick Moore as an expert and
popularizer of astronomy, I possess some of my very first astronomy books
written by Sir Patrick and I have appreciated very much it, always written with
simplicity and completeness for beginners to interested in astronomy ... He has always been a great studious of Jupiter, and I always love his
preparation in the field. Astronomy has lost a great person. Goodbye, Sir Patrick...

I first learned of Patrick Moore back in the 1960s when I read one of his books
(I believe it was Practical Amateur Astronomy). I also recall seeing him being
interviewed on U.S. TV during live coverage of Apollo 11.
In December 1972, I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him for a few minutes at the Manned Spacecraft Center near Houston, Texas during the Apollo 17 mission.
I can't think of anyone who did so much to popularize astronomy for so many years.

From: Gianluigi Adamoli, Italy

For me, as well as most living amateur astronomers (I'm sure), Sir Patrick
Moore represented something out of the natural flow of time, a sort of
legendary Entity that was felt as the natural "Number One" in our community.

His name is linked with my very first steps into observational astronomy. As
a teenager (years 1972-73), when I was discovering the planets one after
another in my backyard, with a modest refractor, Sir Patrick had already
become the renowned First Amateur in the world, by a long time.....

I read some of his papers and books, especially on observing the Moon and
planets, and had the honour to know him personally in 1995, when he was
guest of the Congress of the Italian amateur association, held in Cittadella
(near Padoa), where he delivered a remarkable address to us about "Divulging Astronomy".

My sincere condolescence goes to Sir Patrick's family, I mean not only his
relatives, but also the British Astronomical Association, so highly honoured
by his luminous figure, and the whole of the world astronomical community,
that owes him so much.

Christmas of 1964 was the first time I bought a book written by him and now I have dozens. I am also a very proud owner of a post card sent to me and typed by him encouraging me to observe the Moon.

This was the great man never to busy to help and advise in anyway he could.

From: John Thorpe

I first saw Patrick Moore live, rather than on the TV screen, at a performance of William Herschel’s music at the Royal Naval College in Greenwich in 1981, where he introduced the concert with his customary amazing combination of enthusiasm and deep knowledge. Shortly after this I joined the BAA and was living close enough to London to attend meetings regularly and often got to see Patrick, particularly during the time when he was President.

As BAA members, at least those of us who are able to attend meetings, we are very fortunate to have had this opportunity to meet Patrick regularly.

For many of us, though, and certainly for myself before I joined the BAA, our acquaintance with Patrick was solely through The Sky at Night and his books. I think we all feel that we know him as a friend and a mentor even if we have not met him personally. We know about his telescopes, his delightful house Farthings, his cats, his cricket. This was his gift, to give us, both through his writing and his broadcasting, the sense of a friendly, humorous person whom we know well, totally engaged in his knowledge and commitment to astronomy.

Watching The Sky at Night and reading Patrick’s books is to spend time with a longstanding friend, and it is hard to believe that our monthly meetings are no more.

From: Edward Hanna

Sir Patrick was a brilliant communicator and the most knowledgeable
yet down-to-earth astronomer, who did so much to encourage myself and
countless others in astronomy and science. His books and articles,
with his fine eloquent and easily understandable writing, are as much
works of art as science; he was the scientific writer and populariser
par exemplar. Patrick will be sorely missed for a long time; our debt
to him is great indeed, and the world is a poorer place without his
infectious, unaffected enthusiasm and his enormous generosity. He
easily ranks alongside the likes of Sir William Herschel, in terms of
his sheer influence on astronomy, in my opinion. Long may his legacy
live on.

From: Pete Hines

It is with a saddened heart that I send this email upon hearing of Sir Patrick’s death. One of my favorite instructor’s at Midland College in Fremont,Nebraska was Dr. Gilbert Lueninghoener who taught astronomy there.

He reminded me a lot of Sir Patrick. they both had a unique sense of humor and intelligence.

From: Gerard Gilligan

He inspired millions over half a century to look up at the stars,planets and the Moon. He will leave a great void that will never be filled. I will treasure the five times I had the honor to meet him in person.

The attached image was taken at the IUAA meeting in Wolverhampton in August 1993.

He was a great friend and fellow member here in Liverpool, Patrick supported all our projects and meetings when every he could. He will be very much missed by all lovers of the great science of astronomy.

Clear skies Patrick.

From: James Abott

Patrick was a one-off. Inspirational, eccentric and brilliant, he communicated his love of astronomy to millions of people across 7 decades.

As a teenager trying to learn about astronomy in the early 1970s, Patrick's books and his Sky at Night programme were essential for me. And looking back, in that era without internet and only a few TV channels, the importance of his programme cannot be overstated, covering monthly objects visible, new developments in science, results from space missions, features on amateur and professional observatories and so much more, all packed into a relatively short broadcast.

Patrick famously found the time to reply to the many letters he received. As a rather over-enthusiastic 13 year old I thought I could see the moons of Mars with a 3" refractor and wrote to Patrick to check if this was the case. He replied to confirm it wasn't, but in a perfectly reasonable way and I can remember the thrill of receiving his reply.

I do hope the BBC will keep the Sky at Night going as a tribute to his work. I watched his last Sky at Night only a few days ago and - like others I am sure - said to myself "keep going Patrick", given his age and frail health.

BAA PresidentBill Leatherbarrow said it perfectly:

"Many of us felt that this day could never come, and that the normal laws of nature would somehow be suspended in this case. Sadly and inevitably, that was not to be, and we shall all miss a presence that has enriched British astronomy, and the lives of most of us, for as long as we can remember."

The sadness at his passing is matched by the admiration for his extraordinary achievements over his long life.

From: Richard Hopkins, Llandudno

In my early years I remember watching a very early instalment of The Sky at Night. I heard that wonderful music that Patrick had chosen, followed by his usual excited “Good evening”. From that moment I was hooked! Now, half a century later, my enthusiasm for the subject remains undiminished, thanks to Patrick. I have also been privileged to meet him on several occasions. Whilst containing my excitement and trying to speak to him naturally, I found him to be witty, quiet and utterly charming. If I could thank him for a lifetime of astronomical joy, I would, but of course that is now impossible. All I can do is to now carry forward his legacy and promote and continue to enjoy the subject he has given to me. I am consoled by the fact that Patrick in now happily wandering through his beloved night sky and every time I look at His Moon, I’ll whisper a “hello Patrick and thank you”

From: Douglas Liddle

I appreciate the message distributed to members of the BAA describing his legacy

I like all members of the BAA and British Interplanetary Society feel the sad passing of Patrick Moore who devoted his energy and intellect in the promotion of astronomy unbiased by any financial motives or rewards.
A statue to Patrick Moore should be erected in a prominent location in honour of his outstanding contribution to Astronomy and related sciences.
I have been a member of the British Interplanetary Society since 1957 and a member of the BAA for 19 years.
I have personally met Patrick on a number of occasions.
In 2010 and 2011 I assisted in the running two parties held at Patrick’s home in Selsey.
I did record a video record of both events and have sent a copy of a DVD of the 2010 event to the BBC
Should the BAA wish to receive a copy of this DVD I will be pleased to forward a copy.
I am sure the enthusiasm Patrick inspired will be carried forward by future generations by all persons interested in Astronomy and Astrophysics

From: Martin Jordan

The "Sky at Night" is an institution and as a viewer it is sad that Patrick has passed away. His knowledge of space,the planets, comets astronomy and the stars was fascinating. May he rest in Peace.

From: Chris Hall

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Patrick. The world of astronomy owes so much to him. There would be many fewer professional and amateur astronomers without his infectious enthusiasm for the science. Without him astronomy would have been a Cinderella science in the eyes of the public. Many members of the public have a better understanding of astronomy thanks to him.
I met him several times and he always had time to chat on almost any subject . A proud Britton he was outspoken on many subjects that others have not the nerve utter publicly.
The BBCs Sky at Night can never be the same again no matter who presents it.
Every time That I look at the night sky I will remember him, his knowledge, enthusiasm and his wicked sense of humour.
Sir Patrick – RIP

From: Damian Peach

It’s hard to know where to begin really….

My first contact with Patrick as with so many came as a young boy at around the age of 14 when he wrote me a letter and sent me a signed copy of his “Astronomy Quiz Book.” Of course at such a young age watching him on his monthly sky at night program was always enthralling and this had a hugely encouraging effect on me and really cemented by life long interest in Astronomy.

I was very fortunate that for the last ten years of his life I became a personal friend and visited him on many occasions and many a happy hour was spent with him discussing all manner of subjects at his remarkable home in Selsey. What I will remember more than anything however, more than his remarkable achievements is his outstanding kindness, generosity and modesty. He always had time for everyone and would go out of his way to help even though it was not easy for him in his later years.

Though the great man himself has now passed on his remarkable legacy will live on far into the future.

I shall miss him dearly…

From: Eric Jamison

I heard on TV that Patrick Moore had passed away it was sad news.

When I started observing the night sky with the unaided eye in the late 1950's the number of astronomy books, magazines and organizations for amateur astronomy were limited. For example the small local library had mostly kids books on the subject.

Later I was fortunate to come across some of his books at a county library. They were like a bible for me as they discussed both equipment and observing.

He was a huge help to me and he will be missed.

From: John (Italy)

I am particularly touched and sorry about the sad news. I am an amateur astronomer for 50 years, I have never met Patrick in person, but was always a little as if I knew him. As a boy I read his book and was captivated by his descriptions of the Moon and planets.
Patrick for me it was a great master and a symbol of my love of Urania.
Of his teaching I have always felt the benefit.

From: Jimmy Fraser

I first saw Patrick on television in 1968 when he was a commentator on the Apollo 8 mission. As a nine-year-old I regarded it as a wonderful Christmas gift!

I also remember a short 5 minute stargazing series for children that was broadcast at 5.40pm during weekdays in 1970 around the time of Comet Bennett's appearance.
That series did not last long, but I do remember that many children wrote to the BBC asking for more of Patrick which they ignored for some reason!

My first viewing of the "Sky at Night" was in July 1971 and I have followed the series ever since.
Watching the programme was always a pure delight and Patrick provided us with a high level of science, and, best of all, shared his love of the sky with us.

Thank you, Patrick, for all that you did. In my mind, you will always be there with me when I go out at night to watch the stars.

From: Astrid Ohlmeier (BAA Member) & Family

Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Patrick. In sorrow, we mourn those lost. In gratitude, we embrace those around us. In sympathy, we reach out to those who grieve.

Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends for strength, and always remember 'The Sky at Night' and 'BAA Meetings' with Patrick.

From: Ian Parke

I still have the Observer's Book of Astronomy, written by Patrick, which I was given when I was 8 Years old. In fact I have it in my hand now.

I am now 54 and have had a life long passion for Astronomy, which commenced with his book.

From: David Scanlan, FRAS, Hampshire, England

I remember first writing a letter to Patrick when I was just 11 years old. Not only was I surprised I got a reply but I also got an invitation to meet him and look through his telescopes. I will never forget that first visit and over the years we became good friends. I will always remember his warmth of spirit, genorosity, kindness, passion and enthusiasm. Many people will remember him for helping them into astronomy and he will be held in high regard by thousands for many years to come, there will also be many people, like me, who will remember for simply being a very good friend.

RIP Sir Patrick, you will be missed

From: Lester Shaw

I should like to express my thanks and gratitude to a truly great man.

Ever since I was a child I have been interested in astronomy and quickly began to read books on the subject, many written by Sir Patrick himself. I went on to teach modern languages at a grammar school in Staffordshire, but retained my passion for astronomy, all the time fired by Sir Patrick's enthusiasm. He had the gift of being able to hold the listener's attention and express information with the utmost clarity, and I am indebted to him that his speed of delivery in the Sky at Night programmes enabled so much more information to be conveyed than might otherwise have been the case! I formed an astronomy society in the school and we used an excellent 6" reflector made by the father of one of the boys. I attended lectures on astronomy at Keele University, near where I was teaching, and remember being enthralled at sightings of Saturn and the Crab Nebula from their observatory. Some budding astronomers in the school persuaded me to start a GCE course in astronomy and for this we used Sir Patrick's superb book on astronomy for GCE. Boys in the Lower Sixth began to sit the GCE astronomy exam, and I am glad to report that never once did we have a failure. All this is down to Sir Patrick's indirect guidance. I remember that he went to great lengths in one episode of Sky at Night to answer an astronomical question sent in by our school astronomical society. I furthermore remember that one of my senior pupils, who had it in mind to write a book on astronomy for children, later visited Sir Patrick at his home. As well as having a thorough tour of all the astronomical equipment, he was taken out for a meal, put up for the night in one of the spare rooms and given a lift to London the following day in a car that had been sent to bring Sir Patrick in for a broadcast. Apart from his breadth of knowledge and experience, it is for this great interest in people that I shall always remember Sir Patrick, and he was gifted in being able to communicate with them so directly and indelibly.

From: Alex R Pratt (Leeds)

Like Sir Patrick, I was poorly as a little boy, until I was able to have a heart operation, which was quite a serious undertaking at that time. I was fascinated with anything to do with 'space' and as the hospital staff prepared me for my operation they told me I was going up in my 'spaceship'.

Some time later I pestered my parents to buy me a book called 'The Observer's Book of Astronomy'. The shop assistant commented that it was too advanced for a little boy, which was partly true, but I loved reading Patrick's commentary on the stars and planets and the ancient mythology that gave them their names, even though topics such as absolute magnitude and spectral class were beyond my tender years.

I also remember the Eurovision broadcast of the 1961 total solar eclipse (in black and white) with Patrick giving a wonderful explanation of the celestial event. This fired my interest in eclipses and I saw my first one from Baja California in 1991, with Patrick as lead expert astronomer.

Thanks to Sir Patrick, astronomy became a lifelong passion for me, with The Sky At Night programmes and his books being my guides, including his quirky entertaining volume 'Can You Speak Venusian?"

He was mentally sharp to the last, putting his co-presenters right about the fact that the Mars rover Curiosity would land in Gale crater.

We have lost a supergiant.

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