Celebrate with Us!
Please join us this November as we honor Carl Sagan and celebrate the beauty and wonder of the cosmos he so eloquently described.
Carl Sagan was a Professor of Astronomy and Space Science and Director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies at Cornell University, but most of us know him as a Pulitzer Prize winning author and the creator of COSMOS. That Emmy and Peabody award-winning PBS television series transformed educational television when it first aired in 1980, but now, thirty years later, it's gone on to affect the hearts and minds of over a billion people in sixty countries.
No other scientist has been able to reach and teach so many nonscientists in such a meaningful way, and that is why we celebrate Dr. Sagan, remember his work, and revel in the cosmos he helped us understand.
About Carl Sagan Day
The Center for Inquiry and especially our sister organization, the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, had the honor of working with Dr. Sagan for twenty years, from 1976, when he was one of the founding members of CSI (then known as CSICOP), to 1996, when he published the last of his many articles in Skeptical Inquirer, just months before he died.
In 2009, CFI Ft. Lauderdale, FLASH and other groups created the first Carl Sagan Day celebration for his birthday, November 9th, and the idea quickly spread around the world. Now groups from Australia to Alaska are planning star parties, astronomy lectures, science fairs, teacher workshops and more to say thanks to Dr. Sagan and bring his work to the next generation of "star stuff."
Celebrate with us!
Whether you're a CFI branch or an independent skeptics group, an astronomy club or a science department, a researcher, a teacher, or a student, let us know how you're planning to commemorate Carl Sagan Day 2012 and we'll add your event to our CSD calendar to help spread the word. Email your event information to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Very special thanks to Ann Druyan and Druyan-Sagan Associates, Inc., for their gracious permission to use images and content from COSMOS, and for making it possible for so many CFI branches and campus groups to screen COSMOS for this special occasion. Learn more about Cosmos Studios at the Carl Sagan portal.
Carl Sagan Day Posters & Flyers
Available as a printable .PDF in the following sizes:
To help you celebrate the legacy of Carl Sagan this year, please feel free to download one of our featured posters. Click on a poster for a full-size 11" x 17" printable .PDF file.
If you or your local group is planning on throwing an event this year, we have also provided a flyer version with an event information area to use at your convenience.
Who is Carl Sagan?
Carl Sagan was the David Duncan Professor of Astronomy and Space Sciences and Director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies at Cornell University. He was a consultant and adviser to NASA since the 1950's, briefed the Apollo astronauts before their flights to the Moon, and was an experimenter on the Mariner, Viking, Voyager, and Galileo expeditions to the planets.
In addition to many other awards, Dr. Sagan was a recipient of the Public Welfare Medal, the highest award of the National Academy of Sciences, for "distinguished contributions in the application of science to the public welfare…Carl Sagan has been enormously successful in communicating the wonder and importance of science. His ability to capture the imagination of millions and to explain difficult concepts in understandable terms is a magnificent achievement."
A Pulitzer Prize winner for the book The Dragons of Eden: Speculations of the Evolution of Human Intelligence, Dr. Sagan was the author of many bestsellers, including Demon-Haunted World and Cosmos, which became the bestselling science book ever published in English. He received twenty-two honorary degrees from American colleges and universities for his contributions to science, literature, education, and the preservation of the environment, and many awards for his work on the long-term consequences of nuclear war and reversing the nuclear arms race.
In their posthumous award to Dr. Sagan of their highest honor, the National Science Foundation declared that his "research transformed planetary science… his gifts to mankind were infinite."
Learn more at the Carl Sagan portal.
Upcoming Events
Past Events
November 17, 2012 — Venice House Family Restaurant, 1498 Central Ave., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
COSMOS Marathon with Univ. of Saskatchewan Freethought Alliance
Celebrate Carl Sagan Day with a COSMOS Marathon! We will be watching select episodes from the COSMOS series, hosted by the man of the hour himself: Carl Sagan!November 11, 2012 — CFI–Indiana, 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indianapolis.
CFI–Indiana’s Carl Sagan Apple Pie Feast
Carl Sagan said, “If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe." In honor of his birthday (November 9), CFI-Indiana will host an Apple Pie Feast. Admission price is an apple pie which is homemade or purchased from your favorite bakery. (One pie per family is fine.) We will feast on apple pie and watch an episode of Cosmos.
Date: Sunday, November 11, 6:00 pm.
Location: Center for Inquiry-Indiana, 350 Canal Walk, Suite A, Indianapolis.
November 10, 2012
Carl Sagan Day Film Night with the Edinburgh Humanist Society
Come and watch (on the big screen!) selected parts of the Carl Sagan Tribute Series by Callum Sutherland - at The Dining Room, Teviot Row House, Edinburgh.November 10, 2012 — St. David, AZ - just east of Tucson
Carl Sagan Day in SE Arizona
Join us for a pot luck dinner, great conversation, and episodes of COSMOS.November 10, 2012
Carl Sagan Day with the Reno Skeptics
The Reno Skeptics are getting together again this year for another informal get-together to toast Carl Sagan.
They will be meeting at 6:00pm at Bistro 7, 7111 South Virginia Street, Reno, NV, where you can join them for drinks and dinner.
November 10, 2012
Carl Sagan Day Pub Night: Trivia and Screening
Join CFI–Toronto on November 10th at O'Grady's Pub, 171 College Street, to celebrate the life and legacy of Carl Sagan – the champion of science education. Grab a pint and brush up on your science vocabulary with our Science Trivia competition, followed by a screening of Contact. Raffles and prizes to be won.
November 10, 2012
4th Annual Carl Sagan Day
An all-day event at Broward College near Ft. Lauderdale, FL in celebration of the life and teachings of Carl Sagan, whose many books, television appearances (most notably Cosmos), and NASA projects influence a generation of thinkers. Speakers include NASA's Dr. Reggie Hudson, JREF's James "The Amazing" Randi, and Ms. Karen Sulprizio from the Planetary Society. In addition there will be a fundraising dinner the night before, activities for kids of all ages, educational workshops and a post contest for kids K-12. All events on Saturday are free and open to the public.
November 9, 2012 — Mijares Restaurant, 145 Palmetto Drive, Pasadena, CA 91105
Planetary Society Carl Sagan Day Afterparty
November 9, 2012 — Milwaukie, Oregon, just south of Portland
Pastafarians Celebrate Sagan Day - Milwaukie, OR
Celebrate Carl Sagan Day with COSMOS episodes, cake, pie, beer and your fellow Pastafarians!November 9, 2012 — United States Naval Academy, Rickover Hall, Room 110
COSMOS Marathon in Annapolis, MD
November 9, 2012
Carl Sagan Day with the Atheists at Oakland University
The Atheists at Oakland University are watching Religulous in honor of Carl Sagan in the Firedside Lounge on the Oakland University campus.
Professor Messana from Macomb Community College will be facilitating discussion afterwards!
November 9, 2012 — KPCC's Crawford Family Forum in Pasadena, California.
Carl Sagan Day with The Planetary Society
Come celebrate the life and accomplishments of The Planetary Society's co-founder Carl Sagan on Friday, November 9th, 7:00pm at KPCC's Crawford Family Forum in Pasadena, California.
Join Mat Kaplan, host of Planetary Radio, for a celebration of the life and achievements of the great communicator of science, Carl Sagan. You'll hear from Carl's longtime friends and co-workers, including his founding partner at the Planetary Society, Dr. Louis Friedman, astrophysist Dr. Kip Thorne, and several surprise guests.
Tickets are free, but an RSVP is required.
November 9, 2012
Carl Sagan Day with SSA @ ASU
Meet up with the students from CFI's On Campus affiliate, the Secular Student Alliance at Angelo State University, to celebrate Carl Sagan Day on November 9th from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
November 9, 2012
Carl Sagan Day – Atheists of Columbus
The Atheists of Columbus are holding a Carl Sagan Day celebration at the Surly Girl Saloon in Columbus Ohio. Join them in the BACK ROOM of Surly Girl Saloon to discuss everyday life, strange news, books they're reading, and other topics. Something serious might even come up!
November 8, 2012 — Carnegie Science Center, Bayer Science Stage, One Allegheny Ave., Pittsburgh, PA
Carl Sagan Day Movie Night & Apple Pie with CFI-Pittsburgh
Join us for episodes of COSMOS on the Bayer Science Stage screen at the Science Center - and for delicious apple pie and refreshments! See you there!November 8, 2012
Carl Sagan Day at Indiana University
On Thursday, November 8th the Secular Alliance at Indiana University will celebrate Carl Sagan Day! Festivities will begin at 7pm in the Kirkwood Observatory for a tour, which includes looking through the telescope!
After the tour (expected to end between 7:30 and 7:45) we will head over to Student Building 131 for various Carl Sagan related activities. There will be snacks and maybe pizza too!
Everyone is welcome!
November 5, 2012
Carl Sagan Day with the Grand Valley Secular Alliance
CFI On Campus affiliate, the Grand Valley Secular Alliance is throwing a celebration in honor of their homeboy, Carl Sagan. Starting at 6:00pm at Area51 in Grand Rapids, MI, they will be showing a COSMOS Marathon where you can hang out with friends and enjoy good food. This is a social event, so feel free to invite your friends for a cool time hanging out celebrating.
November 4, 2012
Carl Sagan Day with CFI-Halifax
Join CFI-Halifax for a special Skeptics in the Pub celebrating Carl Sagan's life and work. Astronomy Nova Scotia's Dave Chapman will give a "Bad Astronomy" talk. Newbies are most welcome. Meet us at Maxwell's Plum, 1600 Grafton Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia.November 3, 2012
Newfoundland Geek Society Celebrates Carl Sagan Day
To celebrate Carl Sagan Day, The Newfoundland Geek Society will be showing all 13 episodes of Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.
Join them for a whole day marathon where you can be entertained and learn lots about SPACE!!
November 2, 2012
Carl Sagan Day with Earlham College Humanists
Join the Earlham College Humanists for home-made apple pie and a viewing of COSMOS at the Joseph Moore Planetarium. The festivities start at 7:00pm after a brief introduction by Dr. Ray Hively.
November 1, 2012
Carl Sagan Day Chicago
Chicago's secular community is gathering once again to celebrate the life and legacy of the great science popularizer, the beauty of discovery, and the fun of exploration. Speakers include, Dr. Peter Vandervoort, Professor Emeritus, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, and a former colleague of Carl Sagan, Dr. Angela Olinto, Chair of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Department at the University of Chicago, and Dr. Bernhard Beck-Winchantz, Associate Professor of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Studies Department at DePaul University.
The event will be held in Schmitt Academic Center Room 161, on DePaul's Lincoln Park Campus. The building is handicapable accessible, and accommodation can be provided upon request.
November 20, 2011
Celebrate Carl Sagan with the Michigan Atheists
For their monthly event/speaker series, The Michigan Atheists will be participating in CFI's national celebration of Carl Sagan Day. Gus Pehur, Michigan Atheists Science Director will honor Dr. Sagan speaking about this Pulitzer Prize winning author and creator of COMOS.
This even is hosted by the Michigan Atheists.
November 12, 2011 — Rochester, MI
COSMOS Movie Night
Join fellow CFI members and celebrate Carl Sagan Day with a COSMOS Movie night! Watch selected episodes of Cosmos and enjoy great conversation. If you have a favorite episode contact the event host to vote for which episodes to watch.
Hosted by CFI–MichiganContact: Frank, michigan@centerforinquiry.net, (586) 530-9448
November 12, 2011
Carl Sagan Day Cosmos Marathon!
Join CFI On campus affiliate, Bruin Alliance of Skeptics and Secularists (BASS), for a fun-filled afternoon of games, kitten petting, and COSMOS watching.The location will be provided pending an RSVP.
November 12, 2011 — Chicago, IL
Carl Sagan Day Chicago
Join fellow science fanatics and skeptics in downtown Chicago for a panel on Science, Skepticism, and the Legacy of Carl Sagan! Food and drinks will be provided!
This event is hosted by DePaul Alliance for Free Thought, Northwestern University Secular Student Alliance, University of Chicago Secular Alliance, Women Thinking Free Foundation
November 12, 2011
3rd Annual Carl Sagan Day
An all-day event at Broward College near Ft. Lauderdale, FL in celebration of the life and teachings of Carl Sagan, whose many books, television appearances (most notably Cosmos), and NASA projects influence a generation of thinkers. Speakers include NASA's Dawn (Elliott) Martin and Reggie Hudson, JREF's James "The Amazing" Randi, and Jeff Wagg from the Planetary Society. In addition there will be a fundraising dinner the night before, activities for kids of all ages, educational workshops and a post contest for kids K-12.
Hosted by CFI Ft. Lauderdale , FLASH , JREF, and NOVA SGU. Email carlsaganday@aol.com or call 954-345-1181.
November 11, 2011 — Long Beach, CA
COSMOS: A Personal Voyage (Episodes 1 and 2)
There will be a showing of the first two episodes of Carl Sagan's COSMOS: A Personal Voyage at the beautiful Art Theatre Long Beach in Long Beach, California on Friday Novemeber 11th. Showing time is at 11:30 PM and tickets are $11.
This event is being hosted at Art Theatre Long Beach.
November 9, 2011 — San Juan Capistrano, CA
Carl Sagan’s Cosmos: Then & Now
Cosmos: Then & Now is a revival of the award winning 1980 Carl Sagan docu-series "Cosmos" starting on November 9th, featuring Dr. David Stevenson. Expert astronomers and fellow scientists present the episodes on a monthly basis providing commentaries which update the audience on advancements to space exploration. Interaction with the audience is encouraged. The program is directed to both children ages 10+ and adults.
Pleas click here for a full event schedule starting November 9th.
This event is hosted by The Kepler Foundation.
November 9, 2011
COSMOS at Collin College
Celebrate with CFI On Campus affiliate, the Secular Students at Collin College, by watching a selection of Carl Sagan's famous COSMOS series. The group will be showing episodes of COSMOS as well as providing snacks!
This event is hosted by the Secular Students at Collin College from 6-9 in on campus(BB106).
November 9, 2011 — Grand Rapids, MI
Cosmology Today: Big Experiments, Big Business, Big Science
Join CFI–Michigan for a lecture by Dr. Douglas Furton as part of their celebration of Carl Sagan Day on the 77th Anniversary of Carl Sagan's birthday.
In the 21st century, cosmology is Big Science. Join CFI–Michigan to learn about the newest and most modern cosmology experiments underway today and consider how the results of these experiments are testing some of our fundamental notions of the Universe.
Meetings are open to the Public. A moderated discussion will follow the lecture.
This event is hosted by CFI–MichiganContact: Jennifer Beahan, jbeahan@centerforinquiry.net, 616-698-2342
November 7, 2011 — Oakland University – Rochester, MI
Carl Sagan Day – COSMOS Movie Night
CFI On Campus Affiliate, Atheists at Oakland University, will be celebrating Carl Sagan Day with a showing from the Cosmos series! This event is FREE and open to all OU students.
Hosted by Atheists at Oakland University
November 6, 2011 — Indianapolis, IN
Carl Sagan Birthday Celebration
Sunday, November 6, 6:00 pm. Episodes of Cosmos will be shown. Email indy@centerforinquiry.net to suggest your favorite episodes.
Hosted by CFI–Indiana
November 4, 2011 — Portage, MI
Carl Sagan Day at Café Inquiry (Portage, MI)
Café Inquiry is a casual event starting with a short 10-15 minute introduction of the day's topic followed by open discussion.
Join members of CFI–Michigan from Portage for a discussion on Science Popularization: the impact and contributions of Carl Sagan.
Hostested by CFI–Michigan.
Contact: DuWayne Brayton, cafeinquiry-portage@centerforinquiry.net, 269-223-4559
November 4, 2011
Carl Sagan Day at CFI GVSU
The student run CFI affiliate at Grand Valley State University is throwing a party to celebrate the legacy of Carl Sagan with a day's worth of events including a COSMOS Marathon, Lectures, Free Food & Snacks, and DubStep Rave! Not kidding!
This event hosted by CFI Grand Valley State University.
November 3, 2011 — Dearborn, MI
Carl Sagan Day at Café Inquiry (Dearborn, MI)
Café Inquiry is a casual event starting with a short 10-15 minute introduction of the day's topic followed by open discussion.
Attendees willl be discussing highlights from the COSMOS series and the contributions of Carl Sagan.
Hosted by CFI–Michigan
Contact: Wissam Charadeddine, cafeinquiry-dearborn@centerforinquiry.net, 313-516-9749
November 20, 2010 — Indianapolis, IN
Carl Sagan Day Conference
An all-day conference featuring guest speakers Dr. Leonard Tramiel, Dr. Brian Murphy, Anthony Nelson, Sean O'Brien, and a tour of the Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium.
Hosted by CFI Indiana . Email indy@centerforinquiry.net or call 317-423-0710.
November 16, 2010 — Grand Rapids, MI
COSMOS Movie Night
Join fellow CFI members and celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the COSMOS series with a COSMOS Movie night! Watch selected episodes of COSMOS and enjoy great conversation.
Hosted by CFI Michigan. Email michigan@centerforinquiry.net , call 616-698-2342, or visit CFI Michigan.
November 11, 2010 — Pittsburgh, PA
Sagan Birthday Party at Buhl Planetarium
November 9, 2010 — California
Celebrating Sagan Day with “Contact”
Join us for a screening of "Contact" based on the book that Sagan authored. Plus check out some of Sagan's work in a series of wall displays at our Space Activities Lab.
Hosted San Diego Space Society. Email events@sdspace.org or visit SDSPACE.org.
November 8, 2010 — Portland, OR
COSMOS 30th Anniversary Screenings
November 7, 2010 — Broward College, FL
Carl Sagan Day 5-K Run
Join us as we help raise funds to purchase new science equipment for local schools.
Hosted by Broward College , CFI Ft. Lauderdale , FLASH and JREF . Email carlsaganday@aol.com or call 954-345-1181.
November 6, 2010 — Montreal, Canada
Celebrate Carl Sagan Day with Skeptics in the Pub
Join us for conversation, drinks, and food in a friendly atmosphere at the O'Hara Irish Pub as we celebrate the work and legacy of this iconic figure.
Hosted by CFI Montreal. Email montreal@cficanada.ca or visit our site.
November 6, 2010 — Broward College, FL
2nd Annual Carl Sagan Day
An all-day celebration featuring guest speakers James "The Amazing" Randi, Dr. Dawn (Elliott) Martin, Dr. Jeffrey Bennett, Jeff Wagg, Nicole Gugliucci, Lt. Col. Hal Bidlack, and including teacher workshops, science displays, children's activities, magic shows, planetarium programs, telescope workshops, star-gazing, food, prizes, and more!
Hosted by Broward College , CFI Ft. Lauderdale , FLASH and JREF . Email carlsaganday@aol.com or call 954-345-1181.
September 29, 2010 — Los Angeles
Cafe Inquiry: Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Cosmos
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Carl Sagan’s ground-breaking PBS series, Cosmos , CFI L.A. will proudly show the first episode of the 13-episode series, “The Shores of the Cosmic Ocean.” After a short introduction by Ed Krupp, director of the Griffith Observatory, the episode will be shown in CFI’s Steve Allen Theater at 8 p.m., followed by discussion. Special thanks to Ann Druyan and COSMOS Studios.
Hosted by CFI Los Angeles . Email info@cfiwest.org or call 323-666-9797.
© Center for Inquiry. All images used with permission.