The astrophysicist and former Queen guitarist Brian May has said that Sir Patrick Moore's contribution to astronomy will be there "for all time".
He said that the late astronomer combined enormous generosity with a prodigious understanding of his subject:
Astronomer Sir Patrick Moore, who presented The Sky At Night since 1957, has died today aged 89.
ITV News's Damon Green reports on the life of the astronomer and broadcaster.
Sir Patrick Moore has been praised by fellow astronomers after the Sky at Night presenter passed away today.
Dr Marek Kukula, public astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, told the BBC: "When you came to his home he would always make sure you had enough to eat and drink.
He was full of really entertaining and amusing stories.
"There are many, many professional astronomers like me who can actually date their interest in astronomy to watching Patrick on TV, so his impact on the world of professional astronomy as well as amateur is hard to overstate."
The planetary scientist Colin Pillinger has paid tribute to his friend of 43 years, Sir Patrick Moore, who has passed away.
Dr Pillinger recalled one incident when Moore accidentally set alight to his trousers on television.
Sir Patrick Moore hosted an episode of Sky at Night in September where he reflected on the lives on Neil Armstrong and Bernard Lovell.
Moore, British television's longest serving presenter, hosted the monthly documentary since its first airing on 24 April 1957 until his death today.
Watch Sir Patrick Moore's 1970 interview with Neil Armstrong here.
In 1970 Patrick Moore interviewed astronaut Neil Armstrong about his Moon visit on the BBC's Sky At Night.
He asked the Apollo 11 mission commander about what it was like on the Moon and if he could foresee scientific bases there.
The UKIP leader Nigel Farage has said:
Since I first met Sir Patrick when he dominated a UKIP stage in 1999, he has been a friend and an inspiration. Not only to us in UKIP, but across the country and around the world.
Today we have seen the passing of a true great, and a true Englishman.
Astronomer Sir Patrick Moore, who presented The Sky At Night since 1957, has died today aged 89.
Read the full storyDr Brian May had been visiting Sir Patrick Moore during his recent illness and yesterday appealing for messages from his Twitter follows to take to the ailing astronomer.
Today he thanked those who had sent Sir Patrick messages and said that he was, 'very peaceful in his last hours':
I took your kind messages down to him yesterday afternoon, tweet folks. Not sure how much he took in, but he felt the love. THANKS. Bri
From @DrBrianMay on Twitter:Patrick was very peaceful in his last hours. With his beloved cat Ptolemy purring on his bed. And his pals all around. A great innings.
From @DrBrianMay on Twitter: