I just don’t understand why this needed to be made.
Since the first Cosmos aired:
–The definition of our solar system has changed (Pluto joined a list of newly categorized dwarf planets)
–The human genome was mapped
–Water has been discovered on Mars
–More than 1,000 extrasolar planets confirmed
–Evidence of Dark Energy is being actively sought to explain the properties of spacetime
–The Hubble telescope has found the furthest object in the observable universe
–The existence of black holes was confirmed
–We’re entering the age of quantum computing
–The theory of multiple universes has emerged
–Higgs Boson was discovered
Simply put, our view of the universe is no longer the same as it was in 1980.
And all of this happened during a growing period of public distrust of science–or at least, a loss of understanding. Today we have an entire civilization dependent on advancing technologies, and most people are unable to comprehend the basic principles that make their cell phones work.
There has literally never been a greater need for something like Cosmos than this moment in history.
Sagan especially, knew the neccessity of educating the public and making it accessible to everyone. I sincerely doubt he would have been okay with getting by on outdated re-broadcasts.
If by “riding on Sagan’s coattails” you mean, continuing the good professor’s legacy in the spirit in which he intended–championing an infectious passion for science–then I’d say Dr. DeGrasse Tyson is doing an excellent job of honoring his teacher’s original mission. Even his widow, author Ann Druyan, is credited as a writer and executive producer for the show.
None of this was done as means of “profiting off his good name.” If anything, it ensures Sagan’s legacy will continue to inspire for at least another generation.
White holes are a purely theoretical construct. Black Holes, on the other hand…
since 1980
There’s the general consensus that Cygnus X1 is a black hole
There’s supermassive black holes, active galaxies…
There’s all the Hawking stuff. The multiverse. The universe as a projection.
I kind of just feel sorry for those who didn’t enjoy it and feel the need to feel superior and trash the episode (and/or the entire series they haven’t even seen yet). It’s obviously for a general audience (as it should be), but I think the spirit of it should touch even top scientists for its entertainment value and the knowledge that its gravity is without a doubt pulling more kids and young adults back into the fascination of science.
Just now watched it, loved it and the end was very emotional and inspirational for us.
It didn’t just serve to educate, it also served to tickle aesthetic senses (if one is blessed to be able to enjoy such things). It was more about connecting science with the heart (if you have one of those things) and the joy of taking a beautiful, big picture view of our existence.
We found it to be very much in the spirit of the original series and I’m sure Carl Sagan would be very proud. We’re excited to watch the rest of the series.
Who is we? Are there more than one Cowicide? Have I been duped into thinking there is only one dude as the cow? Dude looks like a lady? Please enlighten.
Just one Cow. As far as who watched Cosmos, it was my GF and our squirrel Stubby (well, not really, but Stubby was there in spirit). I guess about 8 years ago and especially much longer there was more who used the Cowicide moniker for other nefarious stuff, but someone passed away and others mooved on to other projects and some of us went into retirement (after becoming seasoned felons). Now it’s just innocent, little old me.
