Carl Sagan
Our love for Carl. How his character and interests manifest in the characters in the film.
SETI
What it is. Why it is. Why is doesn’t get taken seriously. Their website.
Real Science
The story of Carl’s question for Kip Thorn producing actual time travel science. Black holes and wormholes.
Carl’s Model Scientist
The Jodie Foster character really emulates Carl in a lot of ways. Also partially based on SETI astronomer Jill Tarter.
Role Models/Parents
The dad in the movie. Carl Sagan’s gentle and understanding skepticism.
Aliens
How to communicate with aliens. Dimensions and moves of communication.
Atheism/Agnosticism
No one trusts atheists. Our feelings on the Jodie Foster character and our own positions on things.