The Sky at Night book series documents the recent episodes of Sir Patrick Moore's record-breaking TV program of the same name. This volume collects all 40 episodes from the past four years, each of which has been re-written into a short, punchy essay.
When I became the producer of the Sky at Night in 2002, I was given some friendly advice: "It's a quiet little programme, not much happens in astronomy." How wrong they were! It's been a hectic and enthralling time ever since:, with missions arriving at distant planets; new discoveries in our Universe; and leaps in technology, which mean amateurs can take pictures as good as the Hubble Space Telescope. What a privilege it is to work on a programme with such a huge heritage! I am constantly amazed looking back at the flotilla of excellent programmes which have gone out over the past five decades. The Sky at Night has always been at the sharp end of science broadcasting, whether it's showing the first view from the far side of the Moon or pictures of a new comet which has swept into our sky. Viewers can depend on Sir Patrick to tell them the latest news and explain what it means. It's an outstanding achievement and Sir Patrick still holds the world record for being the same presenter on the longest running TV programme. Our guests love coming down to Farthings, Sir Patrick's home. For them, me- ing him is like meeting their astronomical hero. Over the past five decades, the Sky at Night has managed to talk to the space scientists and astronomers making the landmark discoveries. No matter how busy they are, they make room for Sir Patrick.
When I became the producer of the Sky at Night in 2002, I was given some friendly advice: "It's a quiet little programme, not much happens in astronomy." How wrong they were! It's been a hectic and enthralling time ever since:, with missions arriving at distant planets; new discoveries in our Universe; and leaps in technology, which mean amateurs can take pictures as good as the Hubble Space Telescope. What a privilege it is to work on a programme with such a huge heritage! I am constantly amazed looking back at the flotilla of excellent programmes which have gone out over the past five decades. The Sky at Night has always been at the sharp end of science broadcasting, whether it's showing the first view from the far side of the Moon or pictures of a new comet which has swept into our sky. Viewers can depend on Sir Patrick to tell them the latest news and explain what it means. It's an outstanding achievement and Sir Patrick still holds the world record for being the same presenter on the longest running TV programme. Our guests love coming down to Farthings, Sir Patrick's home. For them, me- ing him is like meeting their astronomical hero. Over the past five decades, the Sky at Night has managed to talk to the space scientists and astronomers making the landmark discoveries. No matter how busy they are, they make room for Sir Patrick.
From the reviews:
"Sir Patrick Moore continues his prodigious and remarkable output as a renowned science writer with this very welcome addition to The Sky at Night series ... on events in astronomy and space research. ... This is a hugely enjoyable and highly recommended read. An essential addition for anyone who has collected Sir Patrick's books over the years or anyone looking to begin such a library." (Mark Stewart, Spaceflight, Vol. 53 (4), April, 2011)
"Sir Patrick Moore continues his prodigious and remarkable output as a renowned science writer with this very welcome addition to The Sky at Night series ... on events in astronomy and space research. ... This is a hugely enjoyable and highly recommended read. An essential addition for anyone who has collected Sir Patrick's books over the years or anyone looking to begin such a library." (Mark Stewart, Spaceflight, Vol. 53 (4), April, 2011)