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Astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore passes away

Astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore passes away

THE astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore has passed away. He was 89.

Sir Patrick will be best remembered as the presenter of the BBC programme, The Sky At Night, which over the years has introduced many to the wonders of astronomy.

A true eccentric, with his monocle and an idiosyncratic style of delivery, Sir Patrick had presented the popular TV programme for 55 years — a record in broadcasting. He had presented the first edition in 1957, and appeared in the most recent edition which was broadcast only days before his death.

Sir Patrick was a highly respected figure within the world of astronomy. His research was used in the space programmes of both Russia and the United States. He was also the author of more than 70 books.

In 1965, he was appointed as Director of the newly constructed Armagh Planetarium in Northern Ireland, a post he held until 1968.

Sir Patrick had served with Bomber Command during the Second World War, attaining the rank of Flight Lieutenant, having lied about his age in order to join the RAF.

He never married after his wartime fiancee was killed when the ambulance she was driving was struck by a bomb.

Sir Patrick, who received his Knighthood in 2001, was an honorary fellow of the Royal Society. He had also been given a Bafta for his services to television.

Away from astronony, Sir Patrick was known to have outspoken views on Europe and was a member of the UK Independence Party.

He had suffered heart problems in recent years, having a pacemaker fitted in 2006. Only days before his death, Sir Patrick had been in hospital but had been back at his home in West Sussex when he passed away.

To view an excerpt from an interview given by Sir Patrick Moore, click here.

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