He is a television institution who has stared at galaxies for half a century. But it seems that the BBC does not judge him enough of a star to celebrate a landmark edition of the corporation’s longest-running programme.

Sir Patrick Moore , the doyen of television astronomy, was far from happy last night as he clocked up his half-century on the box. The reason was that the BBC decided to screen the 650th edition of The Sky At Night at 1.55 this morning. “I’m not very pleased about this one, not very pleased at all,” Sir Patrick, 83, told The Times.

The veteran broadcaster, who presented the first edition in April 1957 and is the longest-serving presenter of a television programme, was furious because his special guest was Piers Sellers, the British astronaut who took part in a space shuttle mission last year.

Mr Sellers travelled to Sir Patrick’s cottage in Selsey, East Sussex, where most editions of The Sky At Night are filmed, especially for the anniversary programme.

Sir Patrick said: “The poor chap came all the way down here for the programme and by the time he gets on screen it’ll be 2.30am. I’ll be writing a personal letter of apology to Piers. I’m very sad about all this.”

Sir Patrick has presented 649 editions of the show. He missed one only after he was laid low from eating a goose egg. Despite arthritis and heart problems, Sir Patrick has endured.

The BBC decision comes days after Malcolm Wicks, the Science Minister, said that the Government was reconsidering its long-standing refusal to fund manned spaceflight.

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