Astronomer Dr. Carl Sagan is host and narrator of this 13-hour series that originally aired on Public Broadcasting Stations in the United States. Dr. Sagan describes the universe in a way that appeals to a mass audience, by using Earth as a reference point, by speaking in terms intelligible to non-scientific people, by relating the exploration of space to that of the Earth by pioneers of old, and by citing such Earth legends as the Library of Alexandria as metaphors for space-related future events. Among Dr. Sagan's favorite topics are the origins of life, the search for life on Mars, the infernal composition of the atmosphere of Venus and a warning about a similar effect taking place on Earth due to global pollution and the "greenhouse effect", the lives of stars, interstellar travel and the effects of attaining the speed of light, the danger of mankind technologically self-destructing, and the search, using radio technology, for intelligent life in deep space.Written by
Kevin McCorry <mmccorry@nb.sympatico.ca>
The series featured the most extensive use of special effects ever conducted for a documentary. In one notable episode, special effects were used to make it seem as if host Sagan was walking through a model recreation of the Library of Alexandria. See more »
Quotes
Carl Sagan:
Our loyalties are to the species and the planet. We speak for Earth. Our obligation to survive is owed not just to ourselves but also to that Cosmos, ancient and vast, from which we spring.
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Alternate Versions
For video release in the mid-1980s, an additional episode of this series was created, consisting of a one-on-one interview between Carl Sagan and media mogul Ted Turner, discussing the themes of the series. See more »
Carl Sagan had a way with words. He had a way of making the complex simple. As a young teenager growing up with an interest in science this was an excellent way to begin.
This is one of those must see programs. The music by Vangelis was also fantastic.
This ignited (excuse the pun) my interest in science and Vangelis' music which is as keen now as when I first saw and heard it.
Excellent!
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Carl Sagan had a way with words. He had a way of making the complex simple. As a young teenager growing up with an interest in science this was an excellent way to begin.
This is one of those must see programs. The music by Vangelis was also fantastic.
This ignited (excuse the pun) my interest in science and Vangelis' music which is as keen now as when I first saw and heard it.
Excellent!