Dear Friends,
I urge you to spend a few moments watching the inspiring brief film that NASA has just put up to announce the Carl Sagan Exoplanet Fellowships. You can see it by clicking here or by going to http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov and clicking on video #1.
NASA's science-driven mission portfolio, its
cultivation of young talent to pursue cutting-edge research, and the decision
to commit its genius to a question of transcendent cultural significance, would
have thrilled Carl.
That this knowledge will be pursued in his name, as he joins Einstein and Hubble to form a triumvirate of the leading lights of 20th century astronomy, is a source of infinite pride to our family. It signifies that Carl’s passion to engage us all in the scientific experience, his daring curiosity and urgent concern for life on this planet, no longer eclipse his scientific achievements.
The NASA/JPL site records 333 new worlds discovered as of this moment... and counting. We are poised on the brink of cosmic citizenship, on coming to know something of the other planets in our galactic community.
I have more hope this December than in many years. The campaign against science in the United States may be ending. We may be about to get a government that respects our laws, one that may act to protect our future.
With a renewed sense of discovery, I wish you all a good solstice and a very happy 2009.
Ann
