Carl Sagan's Grave

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Lake View Cemetery, Carl Sagan’s grave is a place of pilgrimage for those inspired by his work. The headstone itself is a simple yet powerful representation of his legacy, featuring a diagram of the Pioneer plaque—a symbolic message from humanity to potential extraterrestrial civilizations.

The creator of the PBS television series Cosmos: A Personal Journey and a professor at Cornell University, Sagan was one of the most effective science communicators of our time. Since his death in 1996, Sagan’s burial site has become a place of reflection and appreciation for his ability to bridge the gap between scientific exploration and public understanding, leaving an indelible mark on the scientific community and the wider world.

It’s common to see the grave adorned with blue marbles, which many visitors leave behind in honor of Sagan’s 1994 book Pale Blue Dot.