STAR gazer Patrick Moore is set to aim his telescope at a Bolton audience when he appears at the Albert Halls next week.

The television astrologer, famous for his enthusiastic approach to the wonders of the universe, will be popping into town to deliver a lecture called 'Into Space.'

The talk was originally set for September 14, but the petrol shortage caused by the fuel crisis two months ago meant the lecture had to be postponed.

Ironically, the new date of November 20 could fall amid another fuel protesters' blockade but organisers are sure this time everything will go ahead as planned. And that will allow the eccentric presenter to enthrall his audience with a talk about the universe and the prospect of there being alien life.

He will also discuss how the human race explores the sky using telescopes and rockets and he is set to take a detailed look at each of the planets in our own solar system.

Dr Moore is well known for the BBC show, 'The Sky at Night', which is now the longest running TV show in history after being on the air, uninterrupted, for more than 43 years.

The lecture in Bolton is set to be the first of four. The 77-year-old will present a second one within the next 12 months, and a third and fourth soon after.

His appearance will be another string to the Albert Halls bow following a large number of high-profile guest speakers in recent months including the controversial Howard Marks.

A spokesman for the venue said: "It should be a great night since Patrick Moore is a very charismatic and knowledgable man.

"It will be a pleasure to host his lectures here."

Dr Moore has written more than 100 books and he has been involved in mapping the moon for Nasa and the Apollo landings.