Carl Sagan, the distinguished astronomer, has written some of the most widely read scientific works in the world. Cosmos, first published in 1980, is the bestselling science book ever published in the English language. The accompanying Peabody and Emmy Award-winning television series was broadcast in sixty countries. His other books include "The Dragons of Eden," awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1978, Broca's Brain and the bestsellers (with Ann Druyan), Comet and Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors.
Dr. Sagan was deeply involved in spacecraft exploration of the planet; and in the radio search for extraterrestrial intelligence. His numerous awards included the NASA Medals for Exceptional Scientific Achievement and for Distinguished Public Service, the John F. Kennedy Astronautics Award, the Honda Prize, the Joseph Priestley Award "for distinguished contributions to the welfare of mankind," and both the National Academy of Science and The National Science Foundation Public Service Medals. In announcing the award to Dr. Sagan the NSF declared his "research revolutionized planetary science...his gifts to mankind were infinite."
Dr. Sagan was the David Duncan Professor of Astronomy and Space Sciences at Cornell University, where he also served as director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies at the Center for Radiophysics and Space Research. He died in 1996.