http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20657939 Just heard about it this lunchtime. One of my absolute idols of science broadcasting. His TV appearances and his show "The Sky At Night," one of the longest-running TV shows in the world, helped continue my interest in amateur astronomy as a child, and still continued to do so today - I saw this month's (extended) edition only last night. I owned a number of his books on astronomy and the night sky, including one called "Astronomy for the Under-Tens" which I still have on my bookshelf. He was also a terrific xylophonist, and was always a delight on the TV. RIP, Sir Patrick.
^ Pretty much this. Patrick was a big influence on my childhood. A friend whose telescope I used to use would to write to him, and Patrick would to reply in person - that says a lot about the man. Patrick, you are missed already...
I admired his passion and eccentricity but some of his personal views left a lot to be desired. A loss to the scientific community.
I grew up watching him. I love astronomy and he always made even the most mundane aspects of it interesting. Will be sorely missed on the screens as I don't think there is anyone on the BBC (besides the Doctor) who is as openly enthusiastic as he was about the sky at night. The Universe is quieter without him.
I didn't like his politics (though you could understand his personal reasons for not forgiving and forgetting over Germany. Not everybody can get past a personal tragedy), but he was a great TV personality, never reluctant to send himself up (The Goodies), and great at getting children into science and astronomy. I've still got his Scott Saunders SF books (near future SF: teenage trainee is assigned to learn from Dr Reggie Vale and Dr Carl Brand... thinly disguised versions of Patrick Moore and the Roger Delgado Master), and though I never met him, he reviewed some space artwork books for me a few years back, when I was running a reviews section, so I got close!
I happened to randomly watch this month's Sky at Night earlier this week. I catch it maybe few times a year. I remember thinking at the time that it was remarkable how the dude kept going, despite clearly being unwell. I'm not really particularly into astronomy, and certainly not the practical side, though find it interesting as a general topic. But his enthusiasm for the subject was always quite remarkable, and infectious. A national institution if there ever was one. RIP Sir Patrick.
Very sad news if not unexpected after his most recent shows where I thought he looked close to death. I started watching The Sky at Night in around 1987 when it was already 30 years old since then I hardly missed it. I hope despite this really sad news I really hope The BBC don't use this as an excuse to can it. As for his political views well as the man himself said 'There are three things in life that you should never talk about in polite conversation; Politics, Football and what came before the universe'. I am going to miss him very much he was one of a kind. RIP Sir Pat