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Sagan on a stamp - February 15, 2008

saganstamp.JPG

If we’re lucky, this image of Carl Sagan may soon be adorning letters from America. The Sagan Appreciation Society has launched a petition to create a stamp honouring the astronomer and this is one of the proposed designs.

“As Carl was America's science populariser, it seems fitting that he be bestowed with a populist kind of honour,” say Patrick Fish, Sagan Appreciation Society founder. “Carl wasn't just an astronomer, physicist and the world's pre-eminent science teacher. He was arguably the first exo-biologist, one of the fathers of global-warming awareness, a peacemaker, and a brilliant author who could make science sound like poetry.”

Ann Druyan, Sagan’s widow, says in the Ithaca Journal, “Carl was an avid stamp collector as a boy, and we treasure the albums he made then. They’re filled with his handwritten notes in the margins — perhaps the earliest evidence of his passion for the diversity of Earth’s cultures. So this particular tribute to Carl would have held special significance for him, as it does for me.”

The society plans to submit the petition and designs to the US Postal Service’s Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, which recommends about 25 new subjects a year for commemorative stamps.

Comments

In my opinion, such as stamp is worthy from Art viewpoint,so that they will publish. In addition, in consideration that Carl Sagan, who "was arguably the first exo-biologist, one of the fathers of global-warming awareness, a peacemaker, and a brilliant author who could make science sound like poetry”, have surely been suffering much under the man ignorance towards the new reality.

I applaud the Postal Service for placing Carl Sagan on the stamp.......Carl gave us insight to the universe in a simple yet profound way. Our world is a better place as the result of Carl's life.

Long live the spirits (both scientific and critical thinkings) of Carl Sagan (1934-96)!

Author "Decoding Scientism" (work in progress since July 2007)

Carl Sagan was and remains a personal inspiration to me as a retiring nuclear physicist from LANL. I was moved by his Cosmos series to delve into cosomology and realize that the remainder of my life will be a true joy of learning due to his enthusiasm, guidance and inspiration. By all means please immortalize this remarkable man.

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