Patrick Moore dies at 89

Patrick Moore died at his home in Selsey, England Sunday. He was 89.

According to The Associated Press, there has not been an official cause of death but he was admitted to the hospital earlier that week for heart-related problems. He was then released when it was discovered that no further treatment would prove beneficial. He spent the short remainder of his life confined to a wheelchair.

Friends and colleagues signed the statement that released his death. Queen guitarist Brian May reportedly said, "Patrick will be mourned by the many to whom he was a caring uncle, and by all who loved the delightful wit and clarity of his writings, or enjoyed his fearlessly eccentric persona in public life.”

Moore became popular with his British series, The Sky at Night, the show has been on air since 1957. His eccentric personality, his fashion sense and love of cats also helped with his popularity as a television personality. His series recently celebrated its 55th anniversary.

In its obituary, the Daily Telegraph reported that Moore believed he was the only person to have met the first man to fly, Orville Wright, as well as the first man in space, Russian Yuri Gagarin, and the first man on the moon, the late Neil Armstrong.
 
Moore had expressed interest in space travel but joked that no rocket could handle his girth.