The Philosopher

Carl Sagan

The face

The background

Nationality:
American
Schools:
University of Chicago, Cornell University, Harvard University, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, University of California, Berkeley
Branchs:
Astronomy, Astrophysics, Cosmology, Astrobiology, Space science, Planetary science
Period:
20th century

The synopsis

Carl Edward Sagan (November 9, 1934 – December 20, 1996) was an American astronomer, planetary scientist, cosmologist, astrobiologist, space scientist, and science communicator. He played a crucial role in the public perception of space science and was instrumental in NASA's Mariner, Viking, and Voyager planetary missions. Sagan was a professor at Cornell University and later at Harvard University, where he published over 600 scientific papers and articles. He received the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction for his book "The Dragons of Eden." His 1980 television series "Cosmos: A Personal Voyage" was viewed by over 500 million people worldwide and won two Emmy Awards. He was a proponent of the search for extraterrestrial life, contributing to the Pioneer plaques and the Voyager Golden Record. Sagan advocated for scientific skepticism and critical thinking, famously stating, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." He passed away from pneumonia at the age of 62.

The works