| Dave Grennan reports on a the
celebrations to mark the 50th Anniversary of BBC's "The Sky at
Night" programme.
From left to Right: Ray Doyle, David Moore, Seamus
Bonner, Sir Patrick Moore, Ben Emmet, Carl O'Beirnes, Ita Dardis, Dave
Grennan
On April 24th the BBC Celebrated 50 years of the "Sky at Night" TV
programme, with a gala episode and party at the home of the show's presenter,
Sir Patrick Moore OBE. Of course anyone who has the slightest interest in
astronomy (and many who don't) will be familiar with Sir Patrick and his
inimitable style of presenting the show. The show is the longest running
programme on the BBC network and is one of the longest running show's anywhere
in the world. During that time Sir Patrick has only missed one single episode
after being laid low from eating "That wretched goose egg" as he put
it. Astronomy Ireland was privileged to be invited to this historic
event.
To celebrate this milestone astronomers, both amateur and professional
joined Sir Patrick and the Sky at Night team at Sir Patrick's home in Selsey,
West Sussex. The day began with a gathering of astronomers in Sir
Patrick's garden where those present had the opportunity to examine Sir
Patrick's famous 15" Newtonian telescope.
Sir Patrick's famous
15" newtonian telescope which appeared on so many episodes of The
Sky at Night was a major attraction for those present.
All those present were
delighted to find Sir Patrick in much improved health and in very good
spirits. Although Patrick's mobility is severely limited he still
manages to indulge in astronomy at all levels. His enthusiasm and
great knowledge of the subject which has proved inspirational for so
many are still very much in evidence and his willingness to chat at
great length about all aspects of astronomy a joy to behold.
During the day a very
special episode (see end of this article for airtime dates) was recorded
among the many guests interviewed by Sir Patrick were Dr. Alan Chapman,
and Astronaut Piers Sellars. The delegation from Astronomy Ireland
had the opportunity to chat with many of the show's guests which in many
ways was a dream come true for those present.
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|
Carl O Beirnes poses with amateur
astronomer and T.V. personality Myleene Klass |
The Astronomy Ireland crew had a
wonderful opportunity to chat with Shuttle and ISS astronaut Piers
Sellars |
Piers gave us some
incredible images which he took while aboard shuttle mission
STS-121. You really need to see the full resolution photos to
appreciate these photos. Click on each image below for the full
resolution image.
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| Ireland and the UK From Space.
Interesting to know that while we are looking up at the ISS, the
astronauts are looking down on us! |
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| Note the reflection of the astronaut
taking the picture (probably Lisa Nowak) in the visor of Piers
during his spacewalk. |
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| A view of Piers as he continues his
work assembling the International Space Station |
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| A wider view of the above shot. |
The filming room
resembled a real who's who of the world of astronomy professional
astronomers and well known amateurs were joined by celebrities such as
Bill Wyman, and Myleene Klass and other pop stars such as Gabriella
Irimia, one half of the Romanian pop act "The Cheeky Girls"
(all of whom are amateur astronomers too!) . The Northern Ireland
IAA was represented by Terry Moseley who read a greeting to Sir Patrick
from the current Lord Rosse. The Astronomy Ireland crew had the
opportunity to catch up with some old friends of the society such as
Dr.Alan Chapman, Damien Peach, Dr David Southwood and many many more.
Carl O'Beirnes discusses
the joys of his 14" CGE telescope (which he brought specially for
the event) with Dave Tyler, while David Moore chats with Martin
Mobberley of the British Astronomical Association
After the formal filming
was finished the BBC provided a wonderful feast for all those present
and very soon the beer was flowing and to say the least many present got
just a little bit tipsy! This part of the evening provided a
wonderful opportunity to chat in a more informal manner with all those
present and indeed Sir Patrick himself. Sir Patrick of course outlasted
everyone at the party. Were sorry to report that the last of the
Astronomy Ireland crew's stamina failed about 2am, several hours before
84 year old Sir Patrick retired to bed.
Another party was
organised by Sir Patrick for the following day and this gave us an
opportunity to make a presentation to Sir Patrick to congratulate him
and wish him many more years of success and good health.
Queen guitarist and astrophysicist Brian
May with David Moore, Ben Emmett and the new book "BANG!"
written by Brian May, Patrick Moore and Chris Lintott which Chris
Lintott launched in Ireland at Astronomy Ireland's public lecture on
March 12 (DVD of the lecture available )
Overall all were agreed
that the whole event was utterly memorable and a great honour was
bestowed on the society having been invited by the show's current
co-presenter Dr. Chris Lintott. Certainly all present will
remember the the trip for a very long time indeed.
Ben Emmett interviews Sir
Patrick Moore and Dr.Chris Lintott for the "Astronomy Ireland Radio
Show"
The 50th Anniversary of
the Sky at night is being marked by three special episodes of the
programme the first programme aired on April 1st and featured Sir
Patrick travelling back in time to the very first episode of the Sky at
Night and also travelling forward to discuss what might be happening
when the 100th anniversary is celebrated in 2057!
The second programme
entitled "We Love the Sky at Night" will be shown on BBC One
on Sunday May 6th at 16:45 .
The third episode,
"The Birthday Party" episode will be aired on BBC One on
Sunday May 6th at 24:10 (i.e. 10 past midnight Sunday night) with repeat showings on BBC Four on Monday May
7th at 19:00 and 23:25 and the following morning Tuesday May 8th at
02:55.
Detail listings for the
Sky at Night can be viewed here.
You can watch all
previously shown episodes on the BBC's
"Sky at Night" Website
More photos from this
event will be available shortly.
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