The Odds Of Intelligent Life

One of the classic speculations of astronomy and biology is the uniqueness or likelihood of intelligent life in the universe. Dr. Frank Drake who is now Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at University of California proposed, in 1960, a mathematical framework to estimate the number of extraterrestrial civilizations in our galaxy. The equation, now known [...]

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Pale Blue Dot

In 1990, the Voyager 1 spacecraft completed its primary mission, having completed its Saturn fly-by. One of the last instructions sent to the spacecraft by NASA was for it to take photographs of all the planets in the Solar System from its present position.
One photo–that of the Earth from approximately 4 billion miles away, has [...]

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The Case For Space Exploration

In an earlier interview on Charlie Rose, Carl Sagan explains the context and issues related to manned and unmanned space exploration and poses critical questions to justify it.
Sagan also describes humanity’s current context in the environment and universe and the challenges ahead of us as an intelligent species.

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Last Interview: Carl Sagan On Charlie Rose

In 1996, Carl Sagan was interviewed on the Charlie Rose Show where he warned about the dangers of being ignorant of science in an age when society is practically based on science and technology. When the general public is ignorant of science, who makes the decisions on science and technology?
Sagan also describes the proliferation of [...]

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The Harmony Of The Worlds

Sagan’s opening line captures the flavor of this wonderful episode very succinctly:
There are two ways to view the stars: as they really are, and as we might wish them to be.
In this 3rd instalment of Carl Sagan’s popular series, he probes into beliefs about stars and the science of astronomy that developed after. He also [...]

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One Voice In The Cosmic Fugue

The second episode in Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, by Carl Sagan which covered a wide range of scientific subjects including the origin of life and a perspective of our place in the universe.

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The Shores Of The Cosmic Ocean

This is the first episode of the popular PBS series: Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, hosted by Carl Sagan which covered a wide range of scientific subjects delving into the origin of life and the universe.

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Sagan, Hawking, Clarke: God, The Universe & Everything Else

British journalist Magnus Magnusson brings together an interesting panel: theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, astronomer Carl Sagan and science author Arthur C. Clarke. The panel tackles big questions about the origin of our universe and life and the existence of creation myths that religions pose to explain the origin of the universe. A rare talk with [...]

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Astronomy vs. Astrology by Carl Sagan

Carl Sagan explains the common roots of the science of Astronomy and the art of Astrology–and why astrology remains within the realm of pseudo-science and superstition.

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A Dark Age: Carl Sagan Recounts The Last Days Of Alexandria

In an excerpt from the popular PBS series: Cosmos, Carl Sagan recounts the story of the great library of Alexandria, the fate of Hypatia, the last scientist to teach there, and the stagnationa and destruction of the library under the hands of Christian fanatics.
Most of Alexandria’s great works are lost in time for ever, and [...]

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