Ophiolite Posted December 9, 2012 Posted December 9, 2012 Sir Patrick presented the monthly astronomy program on the BBC for over fifty years. He was a much loved figure in the UK bringing the breakthroughs of the field and the simple delights of stargazing to a lay audience. I had an opportunity to meet him about eight years ago and thank him for having kindled my interest in science as a ten year old. He will be sorely missed. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20657939 1
Prometheus Posted December 9, 2012 Posted December 9, 2012 One of the few science orientated stars from my childhood. He will be remembered. Plus he was an awesome Gamesmaster, if anyone remembers that.
DarkStar8 Posted December 9, 2012 Posted December 9, 2012 Funny coincidences, just played the last Sky at Night then spoke to my Mother about his condition as a presenter for the first time in years, then a minute later his death is broadcast on the radio. I think he would of liked his ashes sent to the Moon.
Dekan Posted December 9, 2012 Posted December 9, 2012 One of the few science orientated stars from my childhood. He will be remembered. Plus he was an awesome Gamesmaster, if anyone remembers that. Yes, he had the Force. In his autobiography, he frankly confessed that as "Gamesmaster", he hadn't a clue what the games were about, and just read the TV script in front of him! Yet he carried it off. He was evidence of the "Great Man" theory. His book "The Boy's Book of Astronomy" was a companion of my youth, and an inspiration. I still have the worn copy in my bookshelves today, all these many years later. His passing away was inevitable, but he did more than most of us in life.
Ophiolite Posted December 10, 2012 Author Posted December 10, 2012 I love the story in his autobiography about his time as director of the planetarium in Armagh. Sectarianism was rife and the locals wanted to know whether Sir Patrick was a protestant or a Catholic. He resisted all attempts to provide an answer, but became frustrated by the constant background demands to know. He lived in a terraced house whose front living room window was clealry visible from the street. He purchased a large bhudda from an antique shop and placed it prominently on display. Then, each morning when he left the house he would pause in front of the Bhudda and bow reverently to it for a few moments. The questions on his religion dried up. They don't make them like that anymore.
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