The Sky at Night

The first edition of The Sky at Night was shown on 24 April 1957. It was introduced by Paul Johnstone, but featured Patrick Moore, who presented the programme until his death in December 2012 – making him the longest running host of the same TV programme ever.

The monthly programme began at the start of an exciting period of space exploration, less than six months before the launch of the Sputnik satellite. Over its life The Sky at Night has followed all of the major events and discoveries in astronomy.

Moore's knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject has been the biggest factor in The Sky at Night's enduring success. Introducing the first programme in the Radio Times he wrote "people tend to think that astronomy is a difficult, expensive and unrewarding subject that has become the prerogative of old men with long white beards. It is none of these things, and anyone can find interest and excitement in the night sky, if he knows what to look for".

Sir Patrick Moore was knighted in 2001 for services to science and broadcasting. On his death, Dr Marek Kakula, Public Astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich said of him: 'his impact on the world of professional astronomy as well as amateur is hard to overstate.'

Today The Sky at Night continues with its team of presenters, Professor Chris Lintott, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Dr Lucie Green and Pete Lawrence. The programme also involves the army of amateur astronomers who watch the programme in research projects. The popularity of astronomy on the BBC has led to series such as Wonders of the Solar System and Stargazing Live.