Dr. Sagan, a planetary scientist who was recognized for both his ingenious scientific ideas as well as his enormous influence in popularizing space science, was a new member of the SETI Institute’s Board of Trustees until his death in 1996.
A Cornell University faculty member, Sagan wrote about the existential threat of a nuclear winter while also promoting the possible habitability of other worlds in our solar system; most notably Mars, Venus, and Europa. He is best remembered for his extraordinary ability to make science exciting and interesting to the general public. His 1980 “Cosmos” TV series for public television was the most successful science documentary produced until that time. His regular appearance on the Johnny Carson “Tonight” show became a popular venue for bringing science to the public.
Sagan, together with Bruce Murray and Louis Friedman, founded The Planetary Society, a public advocate for planetary exploration and SETI. His 1983 novel “Contact” and its film adaptation acquainted millions with the promise and strategies of SETI.