It was with much sadness on Sunday that I learnt of the passing of Sir Patrick Moore, CBE, FRS, FRAS.
Since the winter of 1976 Patrick Moore has been a constant companion on my astronomical journey.
I must have been about nine years old when I was first allowed to stay up late to watch the Sky at Night.
I was hooked from the first episode.
From the opening title music of Sibelius's At the Castle Gate...the simple studio props, the fascinating interviews, and especially the wonderful enthusiasm and eccentricity of Mr Moore, how could I not be hooked.
Often at the end of an episode Patrick would mention that a newsletter/factsheet was available.
To obtain this A4 information sheet, you simply sent off a stamped addressed envelope to the BBC.
Whenever Patrick mentioned it was newsletter time, I couldn't get to a post box fast enough to send off my SAE.
Back in April of 2005 my wife, our son Jac and I were lucky enough to meet Patrick Moore, at his home in Selsey.
We could not have had a warmer welcome.
He gave me one of his books, which he signed, a gift I will always cherish.
It was a day I will never forget.
RIP Sir Patrick Moore.
For Patrick...
Early this morning Helen and I set out to capture a shot of Mercury, Venus and the crescent Moon.
This is the one of the shots that was taken. It was a beautiful morning, with frost on the ground.
