Unit 8 Section 1 Reading

My lifetime interest— studying stars

by Patrick Moore

When I was eight, I got a book about stars from my dad as a birthday present. That was the beginning of my lifetime interest.

I used to go outside with my mum on clear nights and look at the sky. It looked like black velvet with a million diamonds on it. In different seasons, we saw different groups of stars. In winter, the “belt” of Orion appeared in the night sky. In summer, we saw Vega shine brightly as it got dark. Sometimes we saw stars shooting across the sky. How beautiful they were! Every time I looked up, I was amazed.

Studying the stars was great fun for me, and I was extremely curious about the night sky. Once I learnt a little, I soon wanted to find out more and more. I asked all kinds of questions, and my parents were always very patient with me. If they didn’t know the answer, they would encourage me to find the answers in the library. So I read a lot about the topic, and my understanding increased as I grew older. 

Now, studying the stars is my career. I host a TV programme called The Sky at Night. I use my knowledge to take people on a journey across the Milky Way and beyond, and I teach my audience about the different stars in a lively way. My TV programme has lasted more than 50 years, and I am really proud of that! 

Actually, you too can turn your interests into your career. Anybody can achieve their dreams. You just have to enjoy what you do!