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Astronomer · 1934 CE – 1996 CE

Carl Sagan

History of AstronomySpace Age Astronomy

Biography

Carl Sagan was a planetary scientist and the most influential science communicator of his time. He contributed to NASA's planetary missions, modelled the greenhouse climate of Venus and 'nuclear winter', and through his book and series Cosmos brought the wonder of the universe to hundreds of millions of people.

Scientific contributions

  • Advanced planetary science and the study of habitability
  • Created the landmark television series Cosmos (1980)
  • Championed the search for extraterrestrial life

Major publications

Related scientists

Knowledge connections

Sources & references

The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.

  • NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration

    Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.

    Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.

  • BritannicaEncyclopaedia Britannica

    General reference for the history of astronomy, biographies, and cultural context.