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Renowned British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore died earlier today (December 9), aged 89, at his home in Selsey, West Sussex.

Moore presented the astronomy series The Sky at Night for over forty years, making him the longest-running host of the same TV show ever; his popular approach to the series inspired many to enter the field, and his books were well-regarded by scientists the world over.

Sir Patrick appeared as himself in Matt Smith’s debut Doctor Who episode The Eleventh Hour, and had a lead role in the BBC Radio 2 Independence Day UK broadcast in 1996, alongside Colin Baker and Toyah Willcox.

A statement released this afternoon reads: “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.”