Patrick Moore, astronomer, novelist, and BBC television host, passed away on Sunday at his home at the age of 89.

The eccentric sky-lover had a great circle of friends and admirers, including Queen guitarist Brian May, who actually co-wrote “Bang! The Complete History Of The Universe” with Moore. May was among several of those closest to Moore who released a statement announcing his death.

We are sad to announce that the distinguished astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore passed away peacefully at 12.25 pm this afternoon, at his home in Selsey, at the age of 89. After a short spell in hospital last week, it was determined that no further treatment would benefit him, and it was his wish to spend his last days in his own home, Farthings, where he today passed on, in the company of close friends and carers and his cat Ptolemy.

Over the past few years, Patrick, an inspiration to generations of astronomers, fought his way back from many serious spells of illness and continued to work and write at a great rate, but this time his body was too weak to overcome the infection which set in, a few weeks ago. He was able to perform on his world record-holding TV Programme “The Sky at Night’ right up until the most recent episode. His executors and close friends plan to fulfil his wishes for a quiet ceremony of interment, but a farewell event is planned for what would have been Patrick’s 90th birthday in March 2013.

Moore was rarely seen without his trademark monocle and led a life full of interesting stories; often ill as a child, he turned to books for solace and fostered a love of space from a very young age. He also served in WWII, became knighted in 2001, and over the course of his career met several of history’s greatest minds, including Albert Einstein, Orville Wright, and Yuri Gagarin (the first man in space).

Moore passed away at his home in Selsey, England after a long bout of illness and infection. He was never married and had no children, but his legacy will be carried out by those who befriended and worked with him over the years.