How Viking Changed Science Communication

Abstract

Fleeting public interest in the Viking mission inspired Carl Sagan to devise a new mode of science communication. One result was the Cosmos television series. Carl’s global success offended many in the scientific community, and he was punished despite his solid research credentials. Almost 50 years later, the importance of public outreach by scientists seems to have reached greater professional acceptance. Key Words: Science communication—Viking—Cosmos—Mars—Public outreach. Astrobiology 00, 000–000.