Astronomer Jack Horkheimer dies- the Star Hustler/Star Gazer

[Dennis Donovan]

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/101194934.html



Amateur astronomy lost one its most iconic figures today. Jack Horkheimer, known to millions as public television's ebullient "Star Gazer," died this afternoon at age 72. The exact cause of death was not disclosed, though he had been battled chronic respiratory problems for decades.

Horkheimer had been a fixture at the Miami Planetarium for more than 45 years, where he began as a volunteer and served as its executive director since 1973. But he'll be remembered most for his exuberant and often zany television persona, who helped us all appreciate the breadth and depth of eyeball-only astronomy.

The show started airing locally on WPBT in Miami, then went national in 1985. Along the way his nom de television morphed from "Star Hustler" to "Star Gazer," to sidestep aggressive web-browsing filters.
</snip>

:(

[Jakes Progress]

1. A shame.

Keep looking up, Jack. Hope you get to see some new stuff.

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. Dear old Jack.

We used to see him late at night, as he floated up off the screen.
It was kinda nice to see such enthusiasm for astronomy.

[Sinistrous]

3. The talent to make learning wierd stuff fun.

A wonderful man.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

36. Check out Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph.D.

He's written "Death by Black Hole" and "The Pluto Files".

He's the director of the Hayden Planetarium in NYC. He's on NOVA a lot, and he has segments on YouTube, for example, explaining the evil that is AutoTune.

He also gives speeches around the country for fundraisers. I saw him last Nov. at Oklahoma State U. at a fundraiser for the library. They had just gotten their three millionth volume. I was impressed with those smart aggies! There is intelligent life in Oklahoma. Most of it is either in Norman or Stillwater (where the two big state schools are).

[Sinistrous]

37. Agree. I enjoy Dr. deGrasse as well. n/t

[d_r]

4. awww

used to watch star hustler in the 80s on gainesville pbs.

[Octafish]

5. A truly great man.

Mr. Horkheimer gave me a quote for a story on a solar eclipse back in '95 or thereabouts. Even though he was recovering from a broken ankle, he took the time to talk to me.

Godspeed, Sir.

[lib2DaBone]

6. No Way.. say it isnt so?

Keep Looking Up!

[Lydia Leftcoast]

7. I used to see him doing little vignettes on Oregon Public Television

:(

[JanMichael]

8. Loved his enthusiasm. He will be missed.

I can only say that I hope someone can eventually take up his amazing interest in the sky.

[Rhiannon12866]

9. OMG! I remember him!

I haven't seen him for ages, but I always enjoyed his astronomy lessons. Godspeed, Jack. Thanks for reminding us to "keep looking up..." :(

[eleny]

10. I always enjoyed his segments on PBS at the end of the day

He'll be missed.

[XOKCowboy]

11. Keep Looking Up! RIP Jack...

I always enjoyed his enthusiasm for astronomy and the stars. He went on the tail of the Perseid meteor shower. Something right about that.

[Festivito]

29. Keep looking up, and off to the stars, Jack. /nt

[Kind of Blue]

12. Can't think of him without smiling.

Smooth transition into the cosmos, Mr. Horkheimer.

[Poboy]

13. 'STAR GAZER' Most Frequently Asked Questions

I immediately recall that whistling....

====

'STAR GAZER'
Most Frequently Asked Questions


Question: What is the most frequently asked question about 'STAR GAZER'?

Answer: That's easy. Everybody asks about our theme song which is the classic
'Arabesque #1' by Claude Debussy performed by Isao Tomita on the still available "Snowflakes Are Dancing" album (RCA 60579-2-RG).

Question: Why did you change the name of the show from 'JACK HORKHEIMER : STAR HUSTLER' TO 'JACK HORKHEIMER : STAR GAZER' ?

Answer: The name was changed due to our presence on the internet. When people, especially children, were accessing our Star Hustler site by using a search engine, STAR HUSTLER was not the HUSTLER they got to link to...so, after some upset folks wrote to us calling attention to the situation we realized that like it or not, the word Hustler didn't have the same connotation as it did when the show began over two decades ago.

Question: At what times and days of the week can I see 'STAR GAZER'?

Answer: Most TV stations air 'STAR GAZER' just before nightly sign-off. However, due to 'STAR GAZER'S' enormous popularity a number of stations find the show's 5-minute format can fit anywhere during the broadcast day and air the show more frequently. Local TV listings seldom include 5-minute shows and we now have a one minute version of Star Gazer, so it's best to call the station for the broadcast schedule. Visit http://www.pbs.org/stationfinder/index.html for help in locating your local PBS station.

Question: If I can't find 'STAR GAZER' on my hometown PBS station, how can I see it
where I live?

Answer: 'STAR GAZER' is provided free of charge by WPBT, Miami to all PBS stations. If you can't find it, write or call your local PBS station and ask if they will air it and remind them that it is available free of charge. Visit http://www.pbs.org/stationfinder/index.html for help in locating your local PBS station.

Question: Is it necessary to get special permission to use 'STAR GAZER' for astronomy club meetings, teaching in the classroom, science museum or planetarium use?

Answer: No, in fact, many astronomy clubs, teachers, science museums and planetariums have been taping 'STAR GAZER' off the air and using it regularly as a way to reach their public.

Question: Is there any way I can get 'STARGAZER' other than my local PBS station?

Answer: Yes. A month's worth of ' STAR GAZER' episodes are fed monthly to a satellite from which all PBS stations take it for their local programming. Anyone with the proper equipment to take a digital feed is welcome to the satellite feed. For satellite feed dates and times see the Star Gazer Info page or call Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 (Eastern time) 305-646-4274. Ask for Mr. Dishong.

Question: I am a teacher planning my curriculum and would like several
'STAR GAZER' episodes in advance, but I do not have access to a satellite dish. Is there any other way I can obtain 'STAR GAZER'?

Answer: Any teacher anywhere around the world can obtain 'STAR GAZER' episodes in advance through their NASA C.O.R.E. Teacher's Resource Center. For details write NASA C.O.R.E., Lorain County Joint Vocational School, 15181 Route 58 South, Oberlin, OH . 44074.

Question: Why does STAR GAZER always say
"Keep Looking Up!" at the end of each show?

Answer: Have you ever tried Star Gazing looking down?


===

http://www.jackstargazer.com/SHFAQ.html

[Rhiannon12866]

25. +1! Great stuff!

Thanks so much for sharing that with us! :)

[CrownPrinceBandar]

14. RIP Star Hustler..........

Late night public TV won't be the same without you.

[daleo]

15. He used to come on after Dr. Who on my PBS channel

Which was fitting. Keep looking up.

[Canuckistanian]

16. Aww

Too bad. I used to watch him every night on PBS - right before "Eastenders" came on.

I enjoyed those mini-shows. He made amateur astronomy so accessible.

[Cherchez la Femme]

17. I was JUST thinking about him!

RIP Jack :(

[jgraz]

18. Aw hell. I loved his stuff.

:cry:

[shireen]

19. he always made me smile.

i'll miss his walk on Saturn's rings.

RIP Mr. Horkheimer ...

[REP]

20. That's too bad. His show was always fun.

[Norrin Radd]

21. RIP

[CaliforniaPeggy]

22. I haven't seen him in years, but I always loved his show!

Rest in peace, Jack...

You will be missed...

*sigh*

[Divine Discontent]

23. RIP Horkheimer! What a great entertainer for those who love the STARS!

[pokerfan]

24. Aww, damn

I got to meet him once at an Astrocon, Helluva nice guy.

[a kennedy]

26. D*mn, we really enjoyed him......got us to

"keep looking up".... RIP :cry:

[peekaloo]

27. RIP. I loved his little presentations prior to the local PBS signoff as a kid.

although I used to confuse him with Ernest Angley.


the little night owl in me mourns.

[whopis01]

28. keep looking up. n/t

[TroglodyteScholar]

30. We'll miss you, Jack!

<3 Star Hustler

[MilesColtrane]

31. I will retire my Members Only jacket in his honor.

[IndianaGreen]

32. RIP

He was a joy to watch, particularly when there was an exciting event such as a comet.

We will miss you, Jack!

:cry:

[intheflow]

33. A sad day, indeed.

:( I loved that show. Though I did notice the last time I watched (maybe 2 years ago) he was looking pretty old and even a bit frail. RIP, Jack!

[gizmonic]

34. Awww no! I loved his show!

As a teenager, I saw the Milky Way for the first time because of JH. His show taught me what to look for and the best time to view it.

RIP :-(

[glinda]

35. Awwwwwwww....

[TheKentuckian]

38. Bitter! That's harsh

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

39. awww. I'm really going to miss him

I loved his segments as a kid. I had recently rediscovered him and had been watching him again online.
Whatever took him must have been sudden, because he was still at it up til last month.
So long jack - we'll keep looking up.

[mrs_p]

40. RIP

I loved this guy...