Carl Sagan 1978 TLS, “no one has yet found life on other planets”

SAGAN, CARL. Typed Letter Signed, “Carl Sagan”, 1p, on Cornell University letterhead, 8.5” x 11”, Ithaca, May 24, 1978. Flattened light mailing folds, else Very Fine condition. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity by R & R Enterprises Autograph Auctions.

Sagan replies to a student who has asked for advice on a course of study, in part, “Belated thanks for your kind letter…As to suggestions about…a career in exobiology or astronomy…I should reiterate that no one has yet found life on other planets and therefore the subject is necessarily a speculative one….preparation for exobiology should begin with a very strong background in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology.”

Carl Edward Sagan (1934-1996) was an American astronomer, planetary scientist, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, author, and science communicator. His best-known scientific contribution is research on extraterrestrial life. Initially an assistant professor at Harvard, Sagan later moved to Cornell where he would spend much of his career as the David Duncan Professor of Astronomy and Space Sciences. Sagan published more than 600 scientific papers and articles and was author, co-author, or editor of more than 20 books. In 1980, Sagan co-wrote and narrated the award-winning 13-part PBS television series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, which became the most widely watched series in the history of American public television until 1990. The show has been seen by at least 500 million people across 60 countries. The book, Cosmos, written by Sagan, was published to accompany the series.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!