20 December 2008

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 20^th 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

Comments

[Kat Molitor]

Hi Ann,

This comment is being made long after your original post, but I wasn't sure of another way to get in touch with you. I'd love to email or write with you if possible...my email address is kat.molitor@gmail.com.

I can't even begin to say how much your work and Carl's work have affected me. I could watch Cosmos episodes every day...simply because I love witnessing the pure joy for exploration and existence that Carl exuded in the series. The series makes me laugh, cry, and smile endlessly. Equally impacting in my life was the movie Contact. I saw this at age 13 and I was changed forever.

I have such a deep admiration and excitement when I look at you and your life. Founder of Cosmos studios...president of NORML...worked on the Voyager project... I can only hope to have even a tiny fraction of the success you've had. Thanks for being such an inspiration and role model to me...not just as a human being, but as a woman. What obstacles you've had to overcome and how much you have probably had to prove yourself.

Since I was a child, I've had a burning passion for contemplating the situation of humanity, and what I can do--if anything--to improve that situation. I was raised in a very religious household, and never quite resonated with the things I was taught. I am more like you...to me, science is not soulless or depressing, but the most exciting and uplifting thing I have encountered.

I have such a wide range of interests and I find myself running around, going from project to project, researching one topic to another, experimenting with one lifestyle to the next. I want to change the world for the better, no matter what...whether it's on a large scale (like what you and Carl have done), or on a small scale (just within my personal sphere)...both are needed, I feel.

With a day job and not many resources, I don't have a lot of time or technology to make awesome media like you have with Cosmos studios. I have ATTEMPTED to show some of my ideas and images to others, through writing, music (I'm a violinist), art, and other media.

Recently I created this video. I feel like it's very clumsy, not very streamlined. I'm going to find better software and work on this more and more, until I'm satisfied with the quality. Hopefully this low quality video still gets the general idea across:

http://vimeo.com/2757820

Please feel free to email me. I'd love to talk to you about your life and soak up some of your wisdom.

Respectfully yours,

Kat Molitor

[Gloshy]

so there was no message for december 2009, what about 2010 Mrs. Druyan? =>

[Ron Sheikh]

Friends of Carl & Ann:
My late father and I
used to watch "Cosmos"
when I was a teen. He
bought me all of Carl
& Ann's books and we discussed them. Thanks for
the wonderful memories! Carl was a popularizer of
science of the highest caliber. May his influence
on young minds continue to
grow in the years to come!

[Virginia Hidalgo]

Dear Ann Druyan,

More than three times has the Earth turned around the Sun (as you would say) since we met but your work and Carl Sagan's work continue inspiring me day by day.

Thinking of it I try to inspire other people round me. Sometimes I am successful and then I feel that every small effort is worthy.

I have recently reviewed three chapters of Cosmos and I have introduced some cuts of them to my students (now I am a teacher) because I hope that love, passion and veneration for science (and for the understanding of the Cosmos in general) will continue reaching the hearts of new generations. I work every day with my students for it to be so.

I am sad my English is not good enough to show my feelings and thoughts but, as thousands of people all around the world have written you about the same subject, I think you can imagine how deep my gratitude and affection are.

Thank you and kind regards
Virginia (Spain)

[Virginia Hidalgo]

Dear Ann Druyan,

More than three times has the Earth turned around the Sun (as you would say) since we met but your work and Carl Sagan's work continue inspiring me day by day.

Thinking of it I try to inspire other people round me. Sometimes I am successful and then I feel that every small effort is worthy.

I have recently reviewed three chapters of Cosmos and I have introduced some cuts of them to my students (now I am a teacher) because I hope that love, passion and veneration for science (and for the understanding of the Cosmos in general) will continue reaching the hearts of new generations. I work every day with my students for it to be so.

I am sad my English is not good enough to show my feelings and thoughts but, as thousands of people all around the world have written you about the same subject, I think you can imagine how deep my gratitude and affection are.

Thank you and kind regards
Virginia (Spain)

[Ulf Winkler]

Even if I would be God
I would say, 100000 times You can go around me
and would still appreciate You, when You go around one time more

I am not god

though I do not know

But if God would ask me, who has clean table

I can tell him :)

Ann and Carl have

Why?

Because they were not with You, or were?

Ann and Carl, were what they were, and they did there best

They are Your beings

To speak I have to do :)

Can You hear me?

... __ ...

CQ CQ are You there?
Can You hear me?

We are Humans in this world
no more...
this we must realise

Life is here

this is the power Carl is talking about

[Chris]

Hi Ann,

As with most others here, I'd just like to say what an inspiration the single human being, Carl Sagan has been for me in terms of the way I think and see things around me. I've only just recently watched the Cosmos series and was taken aback by it - I'm not sure anything on TV has ever had such a profound impact on the way I think, and the way I think I should think. Knowing that Carl has now, in a sense, gone back to the Cosmos, I selfishly feel as if I've been robbed or denied being aware that he existed before now. It seems that people as enlightened, bright, kind and enthusiastic about the subject as he only come along very seldom. I also think that Stephen Hawking is fantastic, but once he also departs, I truly hope there is somebody else to fulfill their role.
Of course, I wouldn't be able to compare his scientific works to Einstein, Planck, Feynman, Hawking and all of the rest of the 20th century's truly bright sparks, but in terms of inspiring the curious mind and giving broad based science to the public, I'm not sure he'll have an equal for quite some time to come!

Best of luck,
Chris, UK.

[tetetetetete]

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[Curt Crosby]

As a young boy, I was lucky enough to see Cosmos as it first aired. It changed my life. My mother would have to take me to the library every week to find astronomy books. At 40 years old, nothing has changed. Because of Carl, I am still in awe of the universe, still thirsty for knowledge, and have kept a healthy scepticism. Most of all, I still enjoy watching and reading Carl's work. Thank you Ann and Carl for bringing science into the lives of so many.

[Leonardo tedesco]

born ,death ,time, space .. Concepts where our dear carl sagan made us imagine ... But may be are too much deep for uman mindkind

my mother sara raffoul died last week, i went to vinci italy exactly where carl sagan in cosmos Talked about the theory of relativity and where the spirits of leonardo da vinci and albert einstein --countryside of tucany--are still there may be carl is with them and my mother too!! I hope so !!! Thanks and i wish you peace !! And specially to my mother sara and to carl sagan too !! Leonardo tedesco

[EFREN CASTILLO]

Mr. Sagan: He estado leyendo su libro "el mundo y sus demonios", quisiera precisar un comentario en su página 317: Usted no se explica por que la aniquilación de los cananeos, si la Biblia habla de un Dios de amor. Precisamente en Jehová obra la justicia y el amor y el mandó exterminar a esta "cultura" por ser deprabada. Un ejemplo: quemaban a sus hijos en sacrificio a sus dioses... ¿no le parece eso demasiado depravado?... Le repito en Dios obra la justicia y el amor... saludos

[jordan retro 1]

work is more thar a necessary for most human being; it is the focus of their lives, the souece of their iadentity and creativity.Do you think so?

[jordan retro 1]

work is more thar a necessary for most human being; it is the focus of their lives, the souece of their iadentity and creativity.Do you think so?

[Xavier]

I've only recently discovered Dr. Sagan's work and it has been life changing for me, not in an extreme way, but I worry less about the known and wonder so much more about the possibilities of what's out there, how we got here, and what's to come because of this great man. I hope this blog gets updated on a regular basis again, would be a pity not to.

[twig lights]

I really like this blog! The main point came across clear and I hope you keep it up.

[free porn]

Nasa has it rolling man ! And you my friend keep up the good work and post on this blog !

[Get Your Ex Back]

Science will overcome this barrier. I'm sure of this

[Allison]

well, I don't really know what to believe from nasa these days...it's really odd because they are kind of lying to us about many things...

[Donna]

really nice flick, inspiring indeed

[Luan Delarion]

Dear Ann Exactely today December 15 2010 Voyager I passed over the solar system it's about 17,4 bilion of Km; the humanity completed one more step at the journey of discover I just want to congartulate you and Dr Carl Sagan by the great work with science and education.
"We are a way for Cosmos know itself" Carl Sagan

[Magic Supplies]

He will certainly be missed.

[Nexus Magic]

What a joy it was to revisit Cosmos on Hulu after so many years. Still powerful accurate information about the Universe. Carl you were a prophet of the Universe a true visionary.

[Zarra]

hello,

I'm sorry for my English, I'm from the Netherlands and just 14 years old
I was born 4 months before carl died. But I liked astronomy since the very first time I looked up to the stars.
Right now when I was looking on youtube I found his name, I looked at it and when I heared it, I was speachless. It is so impressive how this man still can reach so many hearts and minds. I'm still thinking about those beatiful words,and now I know for sure that I'll never stop looking at the sky, whit or whithout my telescope...

[Karyn M]

Hello,

I know I am person of no particular importance. A student at the University of British Columbia, here in Vancouver, BC, Canada, I am currently in my third year working towards a B.A. In Philosophy. I originally wanted to be an astrophysicist, a tribute to Dr. Sagan for what he introduced into my little universe, and thereby expanding it exponentially.

I was eleven in 1980, the year that Cosmos came out on our local PBS station. In 1981 my grade six teacher showed the series for science class that Spring. I remember feeling like I was watching something so bold, so life-changing, I absorbed it like a sponge absorbs liquid. I began to quote Dr. Sagan. I asked for his books for Christmas. I demanded that science class be something more than inane experiments that gave me no satisfaction that I was actually learning about my universe. I decided that I wanted to be a scientist, and not just any scientist. I wanted to explore the cosmos, just like Dr. Sagan did. I immediately went into a crisis of faith, as I found I could no longer ignore the issues that the bible presented. I got kicked out of Sunday School when I argued that evolution had just as much right to be taught as creationism, even more so as it had much more corroborating evidence to support it.

I took Chemistry and Physics in grade eleven, but for some reason, even though I completely understood the concepts being taught in Physics, I could not successfully complete the required mathematics to prove the concepts. I cried when my Physics teacher told me that I had to drop the class because I needed to be successful with math in order to be an astrophysicist. It made me feel like I failed in my life because I just wanted to work in a field that was ever expanding. When I went to college in 1988, I discovered Philosophy, and decided that it was a way I could keep my hand in science, while I invested in expanding my mind.

In 1994 I got to speak to Dr. Sagan when he was on a radio show on CKNW with Rafe Mair. I was so excited, Rafe laughed as I tripped over my words to tell Dr. Sagan how he was my hero and he had changed my life.

I do not know if Dr. Sagan ever understood that with his PBS series and his books, he moved me from a position of ignorance into a position of understanding. He gave me a thirst for knowledge and to seek out truth. I am not a sheep. I think critically and demand evidence for any of my beliefs. Dr. Sagan showed me that I could change my world by being vocal about what people want me to see. I may never be an actual scientist, but I am clearly in their corner and I live in an ever changing universe where new evidence can change a perspective, and old ideas may or may not stand up to the rigors of examination.

I thanked him for his contribution to my life that afternoon in 1994. He was my rock star then, and he will continue to be my rock star in my life. I went back to school in 2005 to complete my studies on a part time basis, and while I toil away at this degree, I am reminded on a constant basis the need for critical thought and how we, as humans, are not the centre of the universe. We are just specks of life, existing on this "pale blue dot".

Sincerely,

Karyn

[Kev]

they sey good things happen to those who wait. Nasa contradicts this :) Science always triumphs no matter the obstacles !