A collection of objects, manuscripts and memorabilia belonging to TV astronomer Sir Patrick Moore has been acquired by the Science Museum Library & Archives which are held at Wroughton, Wiltshire.
Sir Patrick, presented the BBC’s The Sky At Night for more than half a century. He had built up an extensive personal archive at his home in West Sussex.
Included in the collection are draft scripts from The Sky At Night. The showl holds the record as the longest running television series with the same original presenter. It also contains 70 of his observations books, with detailed drawings and records of the night sky over more than 60 years, and manuscripts for astronomy books.
Among the objects acquired by the Science Museum is a 12.5 inch reflecting telescope which Sir Patrick nicknamed Oscar and used for mapping the Moon.
Lead guitarist of Queen Brian May, who has a PHD in astrophysics and was a close friend of Sir Patrick Moore, said: “We, Patrick’s friends and executors, have worked for a year to try to find the most fitting home for his core astronomical and personal archive.
“We’re thrilled that the Science Museum has now agreed to give this precious resource a home.
“We’re sure Patrick would be honoured that his legacy – a national treasure – will be in the perfect place, safe in Britain’s top scientific museum, with plans for the material to be accessible to future generations.
“We feel there is no more fitting resting place for Patrick’s legendary life’s work.”
Sir Patrick, presented the BBC’s The Sky At Night for more than half a century. He had built up an extensive personal archive at his home in West Sussex.
Included in the collection are draft scripts from The Sky At Night. The showl holds the record as the longest running television series with the same original presenter. It also contains 70 of his observations books, with detailed drawings and records of the night sky over more than 60 years, and manuscripts for astronomy books.
Among the objects acquired by the Science Museum is a 12.5 inch reflecting telescope which Sir Patrick nicknamed Oscar and used for mapping the Moon.
Lead guitarist of Queen Brian May, who has a PHD in astrophysics and was a close friend of Sir Patrick Moore, said: “We, Patrick’s friends and executors, have worked for a year to try to find the most fitting home for his core astronomical and personal archive.
“We’re thrilled that the Science Museum has now agreed to give this precious resource a home.
“We’re sure Patrick would be honoured that his legacy – a national treasure – will be in the perfect place, safe in Britain’s top scientific museum, with plans for the material to be accessible to future generations.
“We feel there is no more fitting resting place for Patrick’s legendary life’s work.”