Astronomer Jack Horkheimer Dies At 72

Jack Horkheimer host of the long lived PBS show "Star Gazer" and was executive director of the Miami Space Transit Planetarium for decades has died.

Horkheimer passed away at 1pm from a respiratory disease according to Tony Lima, vice-president of marketing and communications for the Miami Science Museum.

"We are very saddened to have just learned that our resident Star Gazer, Jack Horkheimer passed away today after being ill for quite some time,"  said Lima.

Funeral arraignments should be available for the public some time during the day on Monday.

Lima went on to say in his written statement: "As you all know, Jack was Executive Director of MiaSci's Planetarium for over 35 years and was an internationally recognized pioneer in popularizing naked-eye astronomy. He was also a recognized media celebrity, often being the foremost commentator on all astronomy related happenings nationwide. Jack was best known as the creator, writer and host of public television's 'Star Gazer', the 30 year long running weekly TV series on naked-eye astronomy. Seen on PBS stations nationwide, "Star Gazer" reached millions of people, helping create a love of the stars for several generations of enthusiasts. Jack will be missed by his Museum family and all of his fans. He would surely hope that we 'Keep Looking Up.'"

Horkheimer's "Star Gazer" program started on the air in 1976 on PBS stations in Florida. It was produced here in Miami at WPBT. The show would go on to become a national program in 1985.