NMR
Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Sun, 12/09/2012 - 16:33
British astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore has died, aged 89. He presented the BBC programme The Sky At Night for over 50 years, making him the longest-running host of the same television show ever.
He wrote dozens of books on astronomy and his research was used by the US and the Russians in their space programmes.
This is indeed the end of more than era. Many of us here in the U.K. grew up with his books. I was fortunate to meet him a couple of times - he was just the same in real life as on T.V.; always enthusiastic, a bit larger than life. A true astronomical icon.
Keith Robinson - proud owner of The Observer's book of Astronomy by Patrick Moore.
Truly is a great loss to world astronomy
I met him many times and was honored to call him a friend from the age of 11, I will never forget his passion for astronomy, the way his home was an open house for all those interested in the subject and the fact he welcomed anyone who wanted to know more
Truly is a great loss :-(
David Scanlan
'The Amateur Astronomer' by Patrick Moore 1974 edition, chapter 15 'Variable Stars', last sentence:
"The stellar heavens are never dull, and there is always something new to see."
Patrick inspired thousands of people to gaze and wonder at the night sky, and reminded us often that valuable work can be done by the amateur astronomer with modest equipment.
How right he was.
Patrick was certainly an inspiration to me when I began astronomy (partly due to him through 'The Sky at Night'), and he will always remain so. I was fortunate enough to appear with him on 'The Sky at Night' earlier this year, and it is a memory which will remain with me for the rest of my life.
This was posted by BAA President Prof. Bill Leatherbarrow earlier today. I do know a number of AAVSO observers were quite fond of Patrick, so I thought you all might like to read it.
Gary [PYG]
BAA electronic bulletin (December 9th 2012)
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
Here is a blog post from April that shows some of his variable star observations in a light curve and has a scan of his AAVSO membership application.