When considering the legacy of American scientists, few can compare to Carl Sagan. Sagan, a talented astronomer, writer, and educator, did more than just advance our knowledge of the cosmos; he kindled a global passion with the cosmos and brought the mysteries of space and science into common parlance.

Success in the Stars

Carl Sagan, who was born in New York City's Brooklyn borough in 1934, always had an inquisitive mind. His interest in the cosmos drove him to pursue graduate studies in astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Chicago. He started his scientific career with a fellowship at Berkeley and moved on to a professorship at Cornell.

Science According to Sagan

Sagan made numerous important scientific contributions. By contributing to NASA's exploration of Venus, Mars, and beyond, he helped us better comprehend the dynamics of planetary climates. Sagan has made important contributions to the hunt for alien life, popularizing the term "exobiology" and leading the effort to create the first physical messages carried into space (the Pioneer plaque and the Voyager Golden Record).

The Speak of Reason

But what really separated Sagan was his exceptional communication skills. Because of his skill in explaining difficult scientific subjects in layman's words, he became a popular personality. His work, "Cosmos: A Personal Voyage," together with the subsequent TV series, helped spark widespread fascination with the cosmos. The series set a new standard for scientific documentaries and was seen by hundreds of millions of people around the world.

What the 'Cosmic Sage' Left Behind

Sagan had an effect outside the realm of science. He utilized his platform to warn about the dangers of nuclear war and climate change, and he was an advocate for critical thinking, skepticism, and the scientific process. The Planetary Society, which promotes space travel and the hunt for alien life, was formed in part by him.