In order to promote social interest in scientific research and astronomy, Carl Sagan Day was established, which is celebrated every November 9 in memory of the date on which, in 1934, said astrobiologist, popularizer, astronomer and astrophysicist was born. US.
Carl Sagan has been a great scientific communicator . This American who specialized in astrophysics , astronomy , cosmology and exobiology added experience as a teacher and writer . In a publication focused on planetary science titled Icarus, he also served as editor.
Having presided over areas of entities such as the American Geophysical Union and the American Astronomical Society , having been one of the promoters of the Planetary Society and having been one of the advisors to NASA were other activities that gave him prestige. Sagan is also remembered as a defender of scientific skepticism and a free thinker .
If you want to know more about him, his hobbies and his legacy, it is worth appreciating content such as the documentary series “Cosmos: A personal journey” or “Contact” , “Broca's brain” and “The world and its demons” , among other books.
Carl Sagan Biographical Facts
Carl Edward Sagan came into the world in New York when, in 1934, it was the ninth day of the penultimate month of the year. Rachel Molly Gruber and Samuel Sagan were her parents.
From an early age, this American who had a sister named Carol demonstrated immense curiosity and a marked thirst for knowledge. It didn't take long for the dinosaurs and the stars to capture the attention of the then child who, by his own choice, spent hours immersed in the public library to find the answers there that he could not obtain in other spaces. Already in school, the focus of his interest fell on nature .
Attending the World's Fair as a family that took place on New York soil in 1939 was one of the most unforgettable and stimulating experiences he had. He was similarly fascinated when he toured the American Museum of Natural History a few years later, where he observed samples of animals in their natural habitat and meteorites , for example.
Little by little, in his free time, he began to read science fiction and imagine what life could be like outside of Earth .
After completing his academic training at Rahway High School , Sagan entered the University of Chicago . In 1954, with both general and special honors, he had the joy of graduating in Arts. He then studied science: with a master's degree in physics under his belt, Carl earned doctorates in astrophysics and astronomy . A Miller Scholarship also allowed him to expand his knowledge at the University of California (Berkeley) .
In relation to his romantic ties and his descendants, it must be said that this man was married three times and had several children. As a result of his love with Lynn Margulis, Jeremy and Dorion were born; Nick is his and Linda Salzman 's heir; and Sam and Sasha Sagan came into the world as a result of the relationship between the aforementioned scientist (who died in December 1996) and Ann Druyan .
"Cosmos", "The Dragons of Eden" and "A Pale Blue Dot" are some of the works that make up Carl Sagan's production.
Scientific contributions
The man also responsible for works such as “A Pale Blue Dot” and “The Cosmic Connection” made, throughout his existence, several scientific contributions.
This expert who gave multiple courses and conferences was involved with the development of the so-called Voyager golden disk and contributed with his research to establishing that the surface temperatures on Venus are extremely high. In this context it is constructive to note that Carl had the opportunity to participate in the initial missions that were carried out within the framework of the Mariner program with the purpose of completing the exploration of Venus, Mercury and Mars .
He also investigated the possibility of finding extraterrestrial life, demonstrating curiosity about unidentified flying objects (UFOs) . Also authored by him and a molecular biophysicist named Harold Morowitz is a text titled “Life in the clouds of Venus?” .
He did not hesitate, to add another piece of information linked to him, to warn about the dangers of believing in superstition and to give space, support or credibility to pseudosciences .
Legacy and influence of Carl Sagan
The legacy and influence of Carl Sagan , an expert who, among other statements, indicated that human beings are “stardust,” have been reflected in science, art, and popular culture.
He was consulted, for example, to devise the plot of the film “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Reviewing his career and analyzing the significance he achieved, there is no doubt that this scholar has been key in giving impetus to skeptical reasoning and modern science . It even encouraged the foundation of critical thinking and going beyond what is known to continue revealing mysteries of the universe .
From Carl Sagan's perspective, the existence of life transcends Earth.
Awards and recognitions
A large number of awards and recognitions demonstrate the relevance of Carl Sagan , whose surname has been immortalized, for example, in an asteroid identified as (2709) Sagan and in a scale reproduction of the solar system ( Sagan Planet Walk ).
Honors from NASA , a Pulitzer , the Oersted Medal and the Isaac Asimov Prize are some of the incentives that rewarded and recognized Carl 's contributions. In addition, the Carl Sagan Memorial Prize and the Carl Sagan Medal awarded for Excellence in the Dissemination of Planetary Science have been established in his honor.