Sky at Night returns to UK BBC4 following 40,000-signature petition

Over 40,000 fans signed a petition in support of the show, which was presented by Sir Patrick Moore until his death last December. 

Photograph: Roger Bamber/Rex Features

The sun will not set on the The Sky at Night after the BBC announced the long-running science show would move to a new slot on BBC4 following a petition signed by 40,000 viewers who feared it would be axed.

The astronomy show, first broadcast in 1957, will lose its slot on BBC1 but will be expanded from 20 to 30 minutes in its new monthly home on BBC4, with a repeat on BBC2.

The future of the series appeared to be in doubt last month after the corporation declined to confirm its future beyond the end of the year.

More than 40,000 fans signed an online petition in support of the show, which was presented by Sir Patrick Moore until his death last December, aged 89.

The programme will be off air in January, when the gap will be filled by BBC2's live astronomy series, Stargazing Live, presented by Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain, before returning in February.

Kim Shillinglaw, head of commissioning science and natural history, said: "Sir Patrick Moore inspired generations of astronomers and The Sky at Night will enthuse further generations about the wonder of the night sky."

Losing its BBC1 slot is likely to deprive the show of its biggest audiences. The show's last BBC1 outing, on 6 October, was watched by 655,000 viewers.

No decisions have been made about the presenter's role on the show which has been filled by a series of guest hosts following Moore's death.

Moore presented a total of 721 episodes, missing just one outing in the programme's history, when he was struck down by food poisoning.