RACHEL
Welcome to Idaho Skies for November 9th and 10th. We’re your hosts, Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Carl Sagan’s birthday is on the 9th.
PAUL
Sagan graduated from the University of Chicago with a PhD in astronomy in 1960.
RACHEL
In 1968, he moved to Cornell University and became a full professor in 1970.
PAUL
At Cornell, he worked at the Laboratory of Planetary Studies.
RACHEL
Sagan is also famous for his work promoting science and skepticism.
PAUL
He published books for the public like The Cosmic Connection, the Dragons of Eden, and Broca’s Brain.
RACHEL
However, he’s probably best known for his 1980 television series, Cosmos.
PAUL
At the time, it was the most expensive program created for public television and the most watched.
RACHEL
One of Sagan’s early astronomy successes was predicting that Venus had a hot and dry atmosphere based on the radio emissions of the planet.
PAUL
He cautioned the effects of increased carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere could lead to a run away greenhouse effect like that affecting Venus.
RACHEL
Following the footstep of Harold Urey, Sagan began researching the effects of energy sources like lightening on primordial gases like nitrogen, hydrogen, and methane.
PAUL
The results were the creation of dark red liquids he called Tholins.
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Astronomers and biologists believe that Tholins might be the precursors of life.
PAUL
And Tholins are believed to make Titan’s atmosphere orange-red.
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Sadly, Carl Sagan died on December 20th, 1996.
PAUL
But a part of him lives on in the plaques and records launched onboard four spacecraft that escaped the solar system.
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Perhaps in a billion years, an alien civilization will find Pioneer 10, Pioneer 11, Voyager 1, or Voyager 2 and learn about Earth.
PAUL
That’s Idaho Skies for the 9th and 10th of November.
RACHEL
Be sure to read our blog for additional information. It’s at idahoskies.blogspot.com.
For Idaho Skies this is Rachel…
PAUL
…and Paul.
RACHEL
Dark skies and bright stars.
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