I'd like to express a personal sadness at one of the Greatest men I ever met: Sir Patrick Moore, who died peacefully on Sunday at the grand old age of 89. I was fortunate enough to see his final presentation (just last Monday) of the BBC's record breaking "The Sky At Night" programme, which was first broadcast in 1957. A man of huge vigour, infectious enthusiasm and hilarious, self-mocking wit, he paved the way for the popularisation of astronomy in this country and then across the World. In fact he even helped pave the way for mankind's first steps on the Moon! He was also a very accomplished musician. A truly wonderful man whom I was very privileged to meet; and whom shall forever stand as an example of how a man can be both humble and glorious at the same time. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20659141 I am deeply, deeply saddened at the news of his death⦠(It coincides with the anniversary of another great Brit: John Lennon, 1980).
I will always remember him as the GamesMaster! please log in to view this image He helped me get through so many games on the Mega Drive. R.I.P
he typified the 'eccentric scientist', his uniqueness will be missed, he'll probably replaced by a vacuous pretty boy/girl clone with no knowledge of the subject.
Cosi, you are indeed a very fortunate man, he was most certainly a very impressive human being in many ways, I wonder which of those two Englishmen will ultimately prove to be the most influential.
Ernie: I take it you mean Moore or Lennon. I think your question is very interesting! I'd never have compared them in any other way, save the coincidence of the date of their deaths; but yes, they were both hugely influential. Whilst one was Moore subtle, the other became a prop for humanity to Leannon… Right, I'll get me coat…
For anyone who's interested and has the time, there are consecutive programmes on BBC2 tonight which cover much of Sir Patrick Moore's life, passion, discoveries and eccentricities. I certainly hope to be watching.
Working tonight Cosi, commissioning some new line modifications, will most certainly catch it on Iplayer later.
I missed this thread when it was posted but I was also very sad at Sir Patrick's death, although I could see it coming. There was one recent edition of TSAN which he mostly slept through while the other astronomers nervously tried to enforce some jollity; maybe they weren't sure what to do. Anyway, I'm watching it now and it seems to have morphed into Blue Peter: the horror, the horror! I realise Sir Patrick was a one-off and therefore irreplaceable but trying to retain some of the show's eccentricity somehow must be desirable, surely. Where's Dr. Chris North? He seems the most likely candidate to me.
