I remember watching this series when it first aired in the fall of 1980 - I was 12. I was mesmerized by it then, and at 39 I am still in awe today. Carl Sagan quite simply had that uncanny ability to make even the most abstract concepts accessible. Take for example his explanations of the Theory of Relativity (from "Travels in Space and Time") or very great numbers like a "googol" (from "The Lives of the Stars"). Each and every concept is developed and explained so lucidly that educators should routinely use it as part of their curriculum; depending on what field they teach.
In addition, the visuals are quite entertaining (although some may be a bit dated by today's standards) and serve to further clarify the lessons. His language is thought-provoking yet easy to understand and will no doubt have you considering our little corner of the universe and the life on it in a whole new way. The series on DVD contains several updates made 10 years after the initial airing (c. 1991) where Dr. Sagan expounds on new findings and developments in the areas discussed in that particular episode.
The series is really part science, part history, part parable but entirely enthralling. Never will 13 hours be better or more constructively spent!
In addition, the visuals are quite entertaining (although some may be a bit dated by today's standards) and serve to further clarify the lessons. His language is thought-provoking yet easy to understand and will no doubt have you considering our little corner of the universe and the life on it in a whole new way. The series on DVD contains several updates made 10 years after the initial airing (c. 1991) where Dr. Sagan expounds on new findings and developments in the areas discussed in that particular episode.
The series is really part science, part history, part parable but entirely enthralling. Never will 13 hours be better or more constructively spent!