One of the documentaries I watched on TV as a child is still vivid in my mind.

With a romantic narration about the universe, vast nebulae and galaxies unfolded before me. Watching it, I realized for the first time that science is not just a world of calculations and formulas, but can also contain emotions and philosophy. The name of that documentary was 'Cosmos', and its host was none other than Carl Sagan.

Carl Sagan was more than just an astronomer or a professor. He served as a bridge between science and humanity, one of the few who could express the awe and wonder we feel when we look up at the sky in words. He is often called the 'father of popular science', and this is no exaggeration. Millions have gained new perspectives on the universe through his books, lectures, and documentaries.

Born in 1943 and passing away in 1996, Sagan participated in various NASA projects during his not-so-short life.

Among them, the most famous is the Voyager program. The Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft are the first human-made objects to leave the solar system, and they contain a gold record known as the 'Golden Record'. This record includes sounds of Earth, music, greetings, and sounds of nature. Sagan led the planning and production of this record, essentially creating the first greeting humanity would send to extraterrestrial life.

However, what truly made Sagan famous was his ability to speak about science 'beautifully'. Reading his writings feels like reading poetry or having a religious experience. He says, "We are made of star stuff." This short sentence is a scientific fact while also connecting to the mystery of human existence.

Sagan's representative work, 'Cosmos', has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 60 languages.

In this book, he not only conveys astronomical knowledge but also discusses why humans should look at the universe, what science is, and why we should ask questions. His sentences are calm yet moving, philosophical yet popular.

Sagan did not deify science, nor did he belittle religion. He was skeptical about God and beliefs, but even that skepticism was warm and inclusive. He stated, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence," emphasizing the importance of critical thinking. His attitude demonstrates an intellectual model that goes beyond that of a mere scientist.

Decades have passed since he left us, but his voice still resonates in the hearts of many through YouTube and books.

Which modern scientist can explain the vastness of the universe as emotionally as he did? The reason Carl Sagan is great is that he made us look at the stars with a sense of awe about existence, not just simple observation.

When I look at the stars in the night sky today, his words come to mind.

"We came from stars, and someday we will be stars again."