Carl Sagan Day celebrates the life and contributions of the great astronomer, author, and philosopher, Carl Sagan, on the 75th anniversary of his birth.

Sagan was a Professor of Astronomy and Space Science and Director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies at Cornell University. He served as an advisor and consultant to NASA, and played a major role in the establishment of SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence). He was a Pulitzer Prize winning author and most familiar to the public through his COSMOS series on PBS.

In addition to numerous awards, recognitions and honorary degrees for his outstanding contributions, he is acknowledged as one of the most effective public faces of astronomy and space science throughout the world. Sagan died in December 1996. 

He's also an idol of mine.

While most of the official celebrating is happening at the  Broward College Central Campus in Davie, FL, you too can take a moment to learn a bit more about Sagan and his accomplishments. You can also check out the video below which about sums up the wonder -- and perspective -- Sagan brought to all of his work.