I was about 8/9 when I read Sir Patrick's book, "Atlas of the Universe". And ever since I have gazed out at the stars.
Sure he had his faults, but he inspired millions. He lied about his age to fly as a Navigator in Bomber Command of the Royal Air Force from 1940 to 1945. During this time he met a Nurse named Lorna, they became engaged, but never to be married as her ambulance was struck by a bomb in London. He was never to remarry or have children and is quoted "there was no one else for me ... second best is no good for me ... I would have liked a wife and family, but it was not to be."
As a self-taught astronomer, he became a specialist on observing the Moon and created the Caldwell catalogue. And as such he helped with the lunar mapping for the Apollo program. He would later go on to be a president of the British Astronomical Association, co-founder and president of the Society for Popular Astronomy, an author of over 70 books on astronomy, and perhaps most beloved as the presenter of the world's longest-running television series with the same original presenter, The Sky at Night on the BBC.
Only once in 55 years of the show did he fail to host it. Sir Patrick has been an incredible force for the popularisation of science over the decades for the United Kingdom, and we will sorely miss this grand old English eccentric.
Rest in Peace Sir Patrick.
Thanks Sir Patrick Moore
Moderator: Outsider Moderators
Re: Thanks Sir Patrick Moore
A glimmer in the sky has gone.
Rest in peace, Sir Patrick Moore.
Rest in peace, Sir Patrick Moore.
Re: Thanks Sir Patrick Moore
Good God, he's past on? I had no idea....RIP