Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space was written by the late Carl Sagan, an American guy with many titles to his name, Astronomer, Cosmologist, Astrophysicist, Astrobiologist and Science publisher. Most known for popularising science and taking many on a journey into space and time. A futurist and explorer excited by the opportunities that exist for humankind beyond the pale blue dot that is Earth.

Written in 1994 and published later in 1996 this has become one of Sagan’s most popular pieces of work. While reading it I became fascinated by the story of human exploration and what is possible for the future of humankind. Carl makes an incredible, research-backed case about the role space will play in the future of mankind.

I listened to the audiobook which is over thirteen hours in length. It is narrated by Sagan and Ann Druyan, a lady who later married Carl Sagan after together writing a documentary series, Cosmos, hosted by Carl Sagan. The introduction and first few chapters were narrated by Carl himself which leaves me wondering why the entire book wasn’t recorded by Carl who apparently did read this entire work in full during 1994 before passing in 1996.

Sagan begins the journey by highlighting that for 10,000 years the nature of humankind has always found us exploring into the unknown. Whether it was the hunters and gathers searching for their next meal or historic tribes that have studied the sky in efforts to map out the universe or even attributing the night skies as a symbol of meaning to our existence. People are always open to searching for more and Carl shares a little bit as to why this is.

He then moves on to explaining light travel and where we are, giving us an indication of the magnitude of space and what it means to explore it. He then dispels misunderstandings and perspectives that tend to glorify the significance of the Earth, highlighting why we are not the centre of it all. Providing evidence of how we have discovered other galaxies, found planets orbiting other stars, and showing us why the history of the Universe is vast. It is hard to imagine how we could be the only life that exists.

From there Ann takes us into the proceeding chapters with an argument for why the future of human life will be found in the skies. The book is filled with detailed research that illuminates the amazing landscapes of other planets, like Mars and Venus, and how far we have already come in assessing their viability to support other life and indeed our life for future generations to come.

I feel that since people landed on the moon the exploration into space for some reason become inhibited in the following few decades. Perhaps due to financial constraints or the case that disbelievers, sceptics and society were less inclined to back something that seemed so implausible, impossible, and very risky.

In more recent years the ambition has intensified as many countries have joined in on space exploration. The industry is currently being commercialised with interest to invest in the future of space research and travel. Like Mars One, although restricted by funding, is on a mission to collaborate and establish a permeant human settlement on Mars.

I am not sure about you, but I become extremely hyped by the opportunities that exist for mankind beyond Earth. Wondering what that will look like and wishing that I could be here to see it. I also am fascinated to hear the first discovery of extra-terrestrial life.

There are many global issues facing Earth and the human population today. As Ann reads, these are important matters to work together to overcome. However, we shouldn’t let these priorities limit or slow down human kinds exploration into space. Although it will take time, having barely scratched the surface, there is a great deal more to discover to life and the universe as we know it and I believe that is something to look forward to.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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