Photograph, monochrome b&w, portrait, the astronomer and writer Patrick Moore standing beside his telescope, 1999. 16x11cm. Signed lower left, Best wishes Patrick Moore

This photograph taken by Patrick Moore shows him standing inside his observatory next to the telescope. Today, Moore has celebrity status through his vigorous popularising of astronomy through broadcasting, writing and public speaking. Since 1957 he has hosted every programme of the long running television series, The Sky at Night. This has earned him a place in the Guiness book of Records as the longest serving presenter. Moore is a prolific author having written in excess of 60 books over a wide range of astronomical topics. Due to poor health during childhood, he received little formal education, his encyclopaedic knowledge being largely self-taught. His tireless public service was fully recognised in 2001 when he was awarded a knighthood.