News about Arthur C. Clarke

Before it even begins, the first American moon landing attempt in 50 years may be over. The Peregrine lander's lifespan can now be measured in hours, according to Astrobotic, who launched the first private lunar mission yesterday. That means a landing on the Moon, which had been aimistic until February 23, is now impossible. The lander will plunge into an uncontrollable slump and lose power within 40 hours due to a fuel leak in the propulsion system. 'At this moment, the aim is to get Peregrine as close to lunar distance as we can before it loses the ability to maintain its Sun-pointing position and eventually loses power.'

Patrick Moore has spent the majority of his life bringing the heavens into our sitting rooms. We meet as The Sky At Night, a television show hosted in 1957, celebrates its 700th episode, with none of which he has appeared (except one episode in 2004, which made him the world's longest-serving TV presenter.