Pontchartrain Astronomy Society

John Martinez, NASA Solar System Ambassador, will give a presentation titled “The Legacy of Carl Sagan: Tireless Promotion of Science and Critical Thinking,” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

It’s the regularly scheduled meeting of the Pontchartrain Astronomy Society.

Carl Sagan was an American astronomer and science communicator.  He wrote many popular science books, such as Broca’s Brain and Pale Blue Dot, and hosted the award-winning television series Cosmos: A personal Voyage.  Sagan was an advocate of skeptical scientific inquiry and the scientific method.

The Pontchartrain Astronomy Society was founded in 1959 and currently has a roster of nearly 150 members from South Louisiana and South Mississippi. The society’s members come from many walks of life and have diverse interests in amateur astronomy. The goal of the society is to enhance the study and enjoyment of astronomy among its members and to promote an understanding and appreciation of astronomy in the community. Each meeting features a speakers who talks on the subject of astronomy.