I share the thoughts of condolences expressed for the passing of this great man. Of course I have known of him for most of my astronomical life, however I had the opportunity to speak to over the phone once at Peter Marple's suggestion. It was after the Queensland Astrofest was counted as one of the top 10 star parties in the world by Sky at Night magazine, and I asked for an autographed copy of the magazine for the raffle. I was struck by his approachability and genuineness.
May he Rest in Peace, my thoughts are with his family.
He Started His TV show in The Sixties -He will Be Missed -He came out to Australia in the Eighties Doing a Tv series The Unfolding Universe -Here is a Photo of him at The Dish at parkes Csiro .I own a copy of his book The Unfolding Universe -Plus about 6 of his other Books-He's Amongst The Stars Now - Reguard's Tony- Another Image of Patrick -Tony
Last edited by anthony.tony; 15-12-2012 at 08:07 PM.
Reason: Add Image
I recall my dad getting me a copy of Patrick Moore's Guide to the Moon (the 1959 edition) back in about 1965, with stuff in it that I could not find elsewhere (like a list of the lunar eclipses till 1989). I read that book maybe a hundred times and I was just seven. Can't emphasise too much how his style of imparting useful and pertinent information has stayed with me. I learned all my planetary data from his "Guide to the Planets" (the 1970 or thereabouts edition) so it's in miles rather than km. Still can't remember planetary data in km ... I have to convert from miles every time I recall it.
Two great books out of more than 60 he authored. Sadly missed.
The Observers Book of Astronomy c. 1962 was also my first astronomy book, and is still in my possession. I was fortunate enough to meet Sir Patrick after a lecture in Shrewsbury Town Hall (subject long forgotten) when I was aged around 12 and he was most kind to a pint-sized juvenile smart-arse who had the temerity to disagree with him vigorously on some point or other (also long forgotten). A giant of a man in all senses of the word and a great loss to the world-wide astronomical community. Vale Sir Patrick.
