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Treeden

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Posts posted by Treeden

  1. I've had the last episode of Sky at Night on the planner all week, couldn't bring myself to watch it until now.

    The last sequence, Chris is talking about the solar eclipse and turning to Patrick, says "Don't you wish we'd been there?", Patrick: "I wish we had", Chris: "Next time".

    I just broke down, my heart broke.

    Think the last one is in January actually

    You're right but it wasn't about that. Beulah got it.

    • Like 1
  2. A naff day at work was made naffer by hearing the news , so I am home , the scopes cooled down . I'm in the garden and the skies are clear and I have the planet suite playing ( yep in the garden) the sky is very good for my area and it seems there is a slightly brighter twinkle to the stars , perhaps they have welcomed another to join the gang. And I've just raised a glass of decent single malt to a man that whatever people thought about him , inspired me( a non scientific bod) to gawp at things so far away it still baffles me how we can see em :)

    A good post 'breezy'. I know what you mean. :smiley:

    The sky is reasonably clear here in Lancashire at the moment too, and I will soon be going out to look upwards once more. Tonight though, I will not focus my gaze on anything in particular. I will simply take in the wonder of it all, remember Sir Patrick and his boundless enthusiasm, and then I too will raise a glass of single malt in celebration of his life. :smiley:

    • Like 2
  3. Though my soul may set in darkness,

    it will rise in perfect light.

    I have loved the stars too fondly

    to be fearful of the night

    The Old Astronomer To His Pupil

    Sarah Williams

    A wonderful verse 'onesmallstep' thanks for sharing it with us. It would not be found wanting as the great man's epitaph. :smiley:

    I've just found and read the entire poem, and thought it would be nice to share it here today...

    Reach me down my Tycho Brahe, I would know him when we meet,

    When I share my later science, sitting humbly at his feet;

    He may know the law of all things, yet be ignorant of how

    We are working to completion, working on from then to now.

    Pray remember that I leave you all my theory complete,

    Lacking only certain data for your adding, as is meet,

    And remember men will scorn it, 'tis original and true,

    And the obloquy of newness may fall bitterly on you.

    But, my pupil, as my pupil you have learned the worth of scorn,

    You have laughed with me at pity, we have joyed to be forlorn,

    What for us are all distractions of men's fellowship and wiles;

    What for us the Goddess Pleasure with her meretricious smiles.

    You may tell that German College that their honor comes too late,

    But they must not waste repentance on the grizzly savant's fate.

    Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light;

    I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.

    What, my boy, you are not weeping? You should save your eyes for sight;

    You will need them, mine observer, yet for many another night.

    I leave none but you, my pupil, unto whom my plans are known.

    You "have none but me," you murmur, and I "leave you quite alone"?

    Well then, kiss me, -- since my mother left her blessing on my brow,

    There has been a something wanting in my nature until now;

    I can dimly comprehend it, -- that I might have been more kind,

    Might have cherished you more wisely, as the one I leave behind.

    I "have never failed in kindness"? No, we lived too high for strife,

    Calmest coldness was the error which has crept into our life;

    But your spirit is untainted, I can dedicate you still

    To the service of our science: you will further it? you will!

    There are certain calculations I should like to make with you,

    To be sure that your deductions will be logical and true;

    And remember, "Patience, Patience," is the watchword of a sage,

    Not to-day nor yet to-morrow can complete a perfect age.

    I have sown, like Tycho Brahe, that a greater man may reap;

    But if none should do my reaping, 'twill disturb me in my sleep

    So be careful and be faithful, though, like me, you leave no name;

    See, my boy, that nothing turn you to the mere pursuit of fame.

    I must say Good-bye, my pupil, for I cannot longer speak;

    Draw the curtain back for Venus, ere my vision grows too weak:

    It is strange the pearly planet should look red as fiery Mars,

    God will mercifully guide me on my way amongst the stars.

    The Old Astronomer To His Pupil

    Sarah Williams

    • Like 11
  4. Rest in peace Sir Patrick.

    Sad news indeed, but what a life he led and what a contribution to science and astronomy in particular. We all owe him a debt of gratitude and I for one would like to say a very big "Thank you".

    • Like 7
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