“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”
Carl Edward Sagan was an American astronomer, planetary scientist, and science communicator. His best-known scientific contribution is his research on the possibility of extraterrestrial life, including the experimental demonstration of the production of amino acids from basic chemicals by exposure to light.
Born: 9 November 1934, Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: 20 December 1996 (age 62 years), Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States.
Popularised Science Through “Cosmos”
Sagan co-wrote and hosted Cosmos: A Personal Voyage (1980), a groundbreaking TV series that brought astronomy and the wonder of the universe into millions of homes. It became one of the most-watched PBS series in history.
Worked on NASA Missions
He played a major role in several NASA missions, including the Mariner, Viking, Voyager, and Galileo programs. He helped design messages for extraterrestrial life, like the Golden Record aboard Voyager.
Pioneer of Planetary Science
Sagan was instrumental in explaining the greenhouse effect on Venus, the seasonal changes on Mars, and the nature of Saturn's moon Titan. He essentially helped define planetary science as a field.
Wrote the Novel Contact
His 1985 science-fiction novel Contact (later made into a film starring Jodie Foster in 1997) tackled the philosophical and scientific implications of contact with extraterrestrial life.
Advocated Against Nuclear Weapons
Sagan warned about “nuclear winter”—the potential climate effects of widespread nuclear war. He used his platform to push for nuclear disarmament during the Cold War, blending science with social responsibility.
