Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan, noted astronomer, astrochemist, broadcaster and author was arguably the most influential individual in the furthering and popularizing of astronomical study in the 20th century. Sagan worked as an advisor to the U.S. Space program since its inception and was instrumental in many of NASA's endeavors, including the SETI Program and some the robotic spacecraft missions.
Sagan made astronomy accessible to the layman in the 13-part PBS series 'Cosmos', which remains the most widely watched PBS series in the world. Sagan has written over 20 books and 600 scientific papers on topics ranging from skeptical inquiry, humanism, extraterrestrials and the scientific method.
In 1994, Sagan received the Public Welfare Medal, the highest award from the National Academy of Sciences for "distinguished contributions in the application of science to the public welfare." Sagan died due to complications associated with Myelodysplasia in 1996 at the age of 62.
Fast Facts:
- Born November 9th, 1934
- Died December 20, 1996. He was 62.
- Sagan's legacy lives on through the Sagan Prize
- The movie Contact was inspired by the Sagan Novel that shares the same name.
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