TV astronomer Patrick Moore dies aged 89
Uniquely eccentric stargazer's lunar research data was used by US and Soviet programmes
Astronomer Patrick Moore, renowned for his work mapping the moon's surface and for having popularised his subject with the British public, died yesterday at the age of 89.
Moore, whose lunar research was used by both the US and Soviets space programmes, died peacefully at his home in Selsey on the southern English coast after succumbing to an infection.
Besides his skill at explaining the universe, his monocle, wit, raised eyebrow and idiosyncratic style of speech endeared him to an army of space fans.
Moore fronted the monthly BBC programme The Sky At Night from its launch in 1957, missing only one edition, making him the world's longest-running presenter of the same television show. His last programme was broadcast on Monday.
In 1959, the Soviets used his charts to correlate the first Lunik 3 pictures of the far side of the moon.
Moscow ensured he was the first Westerner to see the results, which he received mid-broadcast. His early shows went out live, with Moore once swallowing a fly on air.
He was also involved in the lunar mapping in the run-up to the Nasa Apollo missions.