Presidential Portrait of Sir Patrick Moore from 1984
It is with the deepest sadness that I report the death just before 12.30 today of Sir Patrick Moore.
Patrick has long been an inspiration and guide for so many BAA members. He served as the Association’s President from 1982-1984, as well as directing with energy and distinction both the Mercury & Venus Section and the Lunar Section. Indeed, he performed the latter role on two occasions, from 1964-1968 and from 1971-1976. In recent years he has been an honorary Vice-President, and although he has been unable to attend our meetings, he has continued to take an active interest in the affairs of the Association that he first joined in December 1934 at the age of 11. He made a point of visiting the BAA stand at Astrofest 2012, despite not being in the best of health.
There can be few BAA members who do not owe their interest in astronomy to the influence of Patrick, either through his numerous publications or his monthly “Sky at Night” television programme. His enthusiasm was deeply infectious, and what he had to say was truly inspirational. Many of us benefited from personal contact with him – the time and energy he devoted to correspondence with all who wrote to him was quite amazing, and his hospitality at Farthings legendary.
Patrick’s passing was peaceful, at home in Selsey, where he was surrounded by those closest to him. 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 be 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.
In due course we shall have occasion to pay full and proper tribute to the man and his achievements. The grief we feel at this moment is bitter, but Patrick’s legacy is immense – and that is something from which we shall all continue to benefit in the future.
Bill Leatherbarrow
President
@britastro
It is such a sad day. I too somehow believed he would live forever. RIP Sir Patrick.
It is very sad news for everyone in the astronomy community.
My condolences go out to all his friends and family. And to all the team behind BBC Sky at Night.
He was an icon the like we will sadly never see again.
RIP Sir Patrick.
A sad day indeed. The world of astronomy has lost one its greatest influencers, and will be all the poorer for it. I hope that Patrick is now roaming among the stars instead of just observing them. God bless, and rest in peace.
It was with joy and pride that Patrick sponsored me during my first membership with the BAA, and we enjoyed a little correspondence at that heady time around 1970. I had a strong sense of how busy he was and yet how willing to communicate enthusiasm and welcome to anybody that wandered into astronomy’s orbit. He was the ultimate “outreach” personality at the time, and his welcome for others was undimmed by time. He’ll always have a place in my memory for the way he cared for newcomers and thus also for the hobby, the science, and the career that is astronomy.
RIP and thank you, Sir Patrick, from this wanderer you captured.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Sir Patrick. He will forever be a shining star in the sky.Hard to think of anyone to fill his shoes. Such a legemd, all inspiring who’s memory will live on forever. Deepest sympathy to friends and family
I knew Patrick for 41 years since the age of 11. He was a great inspiration to me, always helpful and had the time. He helped me get my first real telescope – an 8.75 inch reflector. We shared drinks and laughs at events, correspondence and photos. I will dearly miss you Patrick, rest in the stars dear friend.
Patrick inspired thousands to realise that amateur observational astronomy is not only interesting for the individual, but also that valuble scientific work can be achieved.
Thank you Patrick.
RIP.
He was in the true sense of the word a gentleman. I have so many memories of him from our meetings and visits to his home in Selsey that remain among some of the highlights of my life. Thank you Patrick, you are sadly missed.
Terry Byatt (BAA Horncastle Weekend 1972-1980)
Our tribute to Sir Patrick must be to carry forward his work in inspiring youngesters, who will be the scientists of the future.
The departing of Sir Patrick Moore is a major loss for astronomy. As a science communicator he was absolutely first rate with an uncanny abillity to take complicated astronomical facts and relate them to the layman, usually via an amusing analogy. His warmth and generosity meant that he was accessible to anyone who wanted to contact him.
Patrick was also a dedicated visual observer who taught me everything I know. He was largely a lunar and planetary man and contributed enormously to all of these sections. He will be greatly missed.
Sir Patrick was an inspiration to all budding astronomers, me included. May he rest in peace forever.
He and his gentalmanly enthusiasm will be miss by everyone not just in the Astronomical Community he was a world wide figure. Can say good bye just see you later.
Sir Patrick had a unique gift of communicating all aspects of Astronomy , to the Layman or to the general public , he was a true giant in the field of astronomy And will be very much missed by all who met him , what he did for Astronomy through the decades with the Sky at Night , all you friends on the Isle of man will certainly miss you ., R.I.P