Carl Sagan, Cosmos. (New York: B Quotes

A collection of quotes by Carl Sagan, Cosmos. (New York: B.

Carl Sagan was an American astronomer, cosmologist, and science popularizer, born on November 9, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York. He was one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century and a prominent figure in the fields of astronomy and space exploration.

Sagan developed a passion for astronomy at a young age and went on to earn several academic degrees, including a Ph.D. in astronomy and astrophysics from the University of Chicago. Throughout his career, he conducted significant research on the possibilities of extraterrestrial life and the nature of the universe.

Besides his academic pursuits, Sagan became widely known for his ability to convey complex scientific concepts to the general public. His book "Cosmos," published in 1980, became an international bestseller and inspired the creation of a television series with the same name. Through "Cosmos," Sagan brought the wonders of the universe to millions of viewers worldwide, captivating audiences with his charismatic and enthusiastic approach to science.

Sagan played a crucial role in popularizing science and fostering public interest in space exploration. He co-founded the Planetary Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing space science and exploration. Throughout his career, he also served as a consultant for NASA on many space missions and was an advocate for the exploration of Mars.

Carl Sagan's contributions to the scientific community and his ability to communicate the beauty and importance of science to the wider public left a lasting impact. His work continues to inspire countless individuals and his legacy as a scientist, educator, and passionate advocate for scientific understanding remains influential to this day.

Imagine that I am riding a bicycle toward you. As I approach an intersection I nearly collide, so it seems to me, with a horsedrawn cart. I swerve and barely avoid being run over. Now think of the event again, and imagine that the cart and the bicycle are both traveling close to the speed of light. If you are standing down the road, the cart is traveling at right angles to your light of sight. You see me, by reflected sunlight, traveling toward you. Would not my speed be added to the speed of light so that my image would get to you considerably before the image of the cart? Should you not see me swerve before you see the cart arrive? Can the cart and I approach the intersection simultaneously from my point of view, but not from yours? Could I experience a near collision with the cart while you perhaps see me swerve around nothing and pedal cheerfully on toward the town of Vinci? These are curious and subtle questions. They challenge the obvious. There is a reason that no one thought of them before Einstein. From such elementary questions, Einstein produced a fundamental rethinking of the world, a revolution in physics.

Carl Sagan, Cosmos. (New York: B

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