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Remembering Carl Sagan (1934-1996)

Carl Sagan, co-founder of The Planetary Society and an inspiration to millions the world over, passed away ten years ago on December 20, 1996. To the memory of Carl, to his dreams, and to his unfinished mission, we dedicate these pages.

From the November/December 2006 issue of The Planetary Report

From the Editor

A few days ago, I took from the shelf a book I hadn't read in 10 years. Glancing though its pages, I was startled again by the power of its words to move me, emotionally and intellectually. I also was saddened that the man who presented this Cosmos to the world, who profoundly shared his spiritual and scientific wonder of the universe, has been gone for so long.

This December marks the 10th year since Carl Sagan's death. With his passing, science -- particularly its planetary and astronomic branches -- lost its most effective spokesman and defender. The Planetary Society lost not only a founder and figurehead but, more vitally, an involved and energetic leader. His fingerprints are on every aspect of our program, from our research projects to our political advocacy.

Most of all, his influence is felt in the pages of our magazine. The Planetary Report is, in many ways, his creation. Carl took special responsibility for it, and, until a few weeks before his death, he read every word before we published it.

We continue The Planetary Society's work in his long shadow. When we hear of discoveries on other worlds, encounter new policies that advance or impede our explorations, struggle with disappointments, or celebrate our successes, we often ask, "What would Carl have said?" There is no answer to that question.

--Charlene M. Anderson