CARL SAGAN

Perhaps the most famous scientist in North America in the 1970s and 1980s was Carl Edward Sagan. As professor at Cornell University, he studied the atmospheres and the geology of planets. According to Sagan, robot spacecraft were the best way to explore the Solar System. Sagan also convinced other scientists that it was worth studying the idea that life might exist on another planet, even if the possibility were remote.
The books he wrote, such as The Cosmic Connection and Pale Blue Dot, were very popular. He also hosted a television series called Cosmos, and was well known for saying “billions and billions.” The movie Contact was based on a novel that Sagan wrote. He inspired many young people to learn about science and study astronomy.