Hooray For The Sky At Fifty
By Steve Robinson
The BBC Astronomy programme 'The Sky At Night' reached a landmark on Monday with the recording of its 650th show; its presenter Sir Patrick Moore reaching his 50th Year at the helm.
The programme was first commissioned in 1957 for just 3 episodes. However, the first shows - known for bringing the universe into people's homes - were a success and the BBC have continued to produce the series until the present day. Its ever-present lead, the venerable Sir Patrick Moore, is the longest serving in British TV history, and the 83 year-old still practices astronomy to this day.
The series began as the Space Race was hotting up, and the first satellite had yet to be launched. Since then the programme has covered momentous occasions such as the Apollo Moon landings in 1969, which was followed later by appearances by Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong.
Lacking any significant budget the show often resorted to crude - and frankly hilarious - means to recreate the universal phenomena they wanted to explain to the public. Most were models mocked up in Sir Patrick's house or garden, but these demonstrated the subtle skill the presenter and his guests possessed for portraying the wonders of the universe through analogy and modelling.
"Astronomy's a fascinating subject." said Sir Patrick Moore, explaining the show's draw. "You look up... you can't help getting interested and it's there. We've tried to bring it to the people.. it's not me, it's the appeal of the subject."
The 650th show's time slot has come under criticism however, not least from Sir Patrick himself. Even though the programme usually airs in a late-night slot, the 0155 GMT time that it has been given for this programme is hardly befitting a show of such heritage. Understandably, Sir Patrick is said to be hurt by the decision and surely the programme deserves better.
Still, it is a television programme that has captivated young minds with the wonders of the Universe for a series spanning 50 years. Long may the show - with Sir Patrick Moore at its helm - continue onwards into 2007.
Find out more about Steve and read his other articles here. Alternatively find out about more about Sir Patrick himself at his official website.
The programme was first commissioned in 1957 for just 3 episodes. However, the first shows - known for bringing the universe into people's homes - were a success and the BBC have continued to produce the series until the present day. Its ever-present lead, the venerable Sir Patrick Moore, is the longest serving in British TV history, and the 83 year-old still practices astronomy to this day.
The series began as the Space Race was hotting up, and the first satellite had yet to be launched. Since then the programme has covered momentous occasions such as the Apollo Moon landings in 1969, which was followed later by appearances by Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong.
Lacking any significant budget the show often resorted to crude - and frankly hilarious - means to recreate the universal phenomena they wanted to explain to the public. Most were models mocked up in Sir Patrick's house or garden, but these demonstrated the subtle skill the presenter and his guests possessed for portraying the wonders of the universe through analogy and modelling.
"Astronomy's a fascinating subject." said Sir Patrick Moore, explaining the show's draw. "You look up... you can't help getting interested and it's there. We've tried to bring it to the people.. it's not me, it's the appeal of the subject."
The 650th show's time slot has come under criticism however, not least from Sir Patrick himself. Even though the programme usually airs in a late-night slot, the 0155 GMT time that it has been given for this programme is hardly befitting a show of such heritage. Understandably, Sir Patrick is said to be hurt by the decision and surely the programme deserves better.
Still, it is a television programme that has captivated young minds with the wonders of the Universe for a series spanning 50 years. Long may the show - with Sir Patrick Moore at its helm - continue onwards into 2007.
Find out more about Steve and read his other articles here. Alternatively find out about more about Sir Patrick himself at his official website.
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