Final answer:
Carl Sagan was an influential astronomer known for popularizing astronomy through his books and TV series, engaging a vast audience and advocating for science literacy. His approachable communication style and his novel 'Contact' cemented his legacy as a brilliant educator and entertainer in the science community.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carl Sagan was the most renowned astronomer during the 1970s and 1980s and considerably contributed to the popularization of solar system exploration. He was born in 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, and attributed his early interest in the cosmos partially to science fiction. His professional career focused on studying the planets and promoting public awareness of space exploration.
His influence extended beyond academic circles; Sagan was a masterful communicator, bringing astronomy to the masses through his best-selling book, Cosmos, and his TV series, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage. With his unique ability to explain complex topics in an accessible way, he engaged an estimated 500 million viewers across 60 countries. As an advocate for science, his work has been pivotal in combating pseudo-science and encouraging rational scientific thought. In addition to his educational contributions, Sagan's novel Contact not only became a successful film but also continues to be recommended by science educators for its realistic portrayal of extraterrestrial contact. This highlights Sagan's impact as both an educator and an entertainer in the realm of science and astronomy.