Topic: Science fiction writer Arthur Clarke (1917-2008)
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-18-2008 04:47 PM
According to the Associated Press, citing an aide to the science fiction writer, Arthur C. Clarke has died in Sri Lanka at the age of 90.
Clarke had an early and significant role in inspiring my interest in space and writing. In a meaningful way, he helped shape my style as a writer, which ultimately led to establishing collectSPACE, among other earlier projects. I never had the chance of a meeting, but did have the honor to exchange a few e-mails with him in the course of researching and writing articles.
In December 2007, on the occasion of his completing his 90th orbit of the Sun, Clarke recorded a video message to his friends and fans:
A moment of silence can be signified by a reply with no words and only a period.
sts205cdr Member
Posts: 649 From: Sacramento, CA Registered: Jun 2001
posted 03-18-2008 04:50 PM
.
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 03-18-2008 04:57 PM
The worlds of literature and space history have lost a great author, theorist and visionary. I remember seeing 2001: A Space Odyssey when it first came out in 1968, the same year as Apollo 8's historic flight to the moon. From that moment on, I was enthralled by both Clarke's vision on the screen and man's real-life reach for the stars. He is now a part of that cosmos...
-Al
capoetc Member
Posts: 2169 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
posted 03-18-2008 05:08 PM
.
------------------ John Capobianco Camden DE
dom Member
Posts: 855 From: Registered: Aug 2001
posted 03-18-2008 05:16 PM
Thank you for everything Arthur!
I hope the Universe is as wonderful as you made it out to be...
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 03-18-2008 05:19 PM
He was a unique visionary who will be greatly missed. R.I.P Arthur.
Regards,
Rick
NavySpaceFan Member
Posts: 655 From: Norfolk, VA Registered: May 2007
posted 03-18-2008 05:28 PM
Sad news indeed. He is probably my single favorite science fiction author. I hope DISCOVERY's next crew dedicate their flight to him.
.
gliderpilotuk Member
Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
posted 03-18-2008 05:40 PM
A visionary in the mold of Jules Verne and H G Wells who inspired many, including myself, to take an interest in space.
RIP.
Paul
Mike Isbell Member
Posts: 551 From: Silver Spring, Maryland USA Registered: Aug 2003
posted 03-18-2008 06:00 PM
I saw 2001: A Space Oddessy when it came out in 1968. I purchased the book later that year. While I was in high school, one of the books that we had to choose from to do a report on was Mr. Clake's 'Childhood's End'. I hove since read many other of Mr. Clarke's books and saw the movie 2010: The Year We Make Contact. I had the opportunity to see Mr. Clarke at a presentation in 1971, along with astronaut David Scott, after the Apollo 15 flight. His writings will, without doubt, be read by many generations to come.
ejectr Member
Posts: 1751 From: Killingly, CT Registered: Mar 2002
Posts: 3120 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
posted 03-18-2008 07:16 PM
The death has been announced of Sir Arthur C. Clarke, one of the great scientific visionaries of the 20th century. Sir Arthur had recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Perhaps best known for his collaboration with Stanley Kubrick on the screenplay for "2001: A Space Odyssey", Sir Arthur deserves to be remembered for his 1945 proposal in "Wireless World" magazine that a satellite placed in a geostationary orbit would remain motionless above a fixed point on the equator and could thus act as a platform for relaying TV signals around the globe. That idea became reality some 20 years later. It has often been suggested that the term "geostationary orbit" should be replaced by "Clarke orbit." Perhaps with the passing of Sir Arthur that debate should be reignited.
Rizz Member
Posts: 1208 From: Upcountry, Maui, Hawaii Registered: Mar 2002
posted 03-18-2008 07:17 PM
Aloha.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-18-2008 07:18 PM
National Space Society statement
quote:The members and board of the National Space Society are saddened by the passing of Sir Arthur Clarke, a longtime member of the society's Board of Governors.
Clarke's legacy will live on in the decades to come, as humanity continues the great adventure of space travel and exploration.
"Sir Arthur's positive vision of the future excited generations about space exploration, and inspired millions to pursue scientific careers," said Buzz Aldrin, Apollo astronaut and fellow member of the NSS Board of Governors.
George Whitesides, NSS Executive Director, stated: "Arthur C. Clarke invented the concept of geostationary satellites in 1945, and the orbit of such satellites is named in his honor. It is highly fitting that future space explorers setting out for distant moons and planets will forever pass Clarke's Orbit on their way."
Fred Ordway, a member of the original board of the National Space Institute, worked closely with Clarke on the film, '2001 - A Space Odyssey': "I met Clarke in 1950 at the first International Congress on Astronautics in Paris. His passing represents the loss of a distinguished friend and one of the most important figures in space history."
The members and board of NSS express their appreciation to Clarke's staff in Sri Lanka, where he has lived since 1956, and recognize the efforts of the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation, founded to promote the work, life, and legacy of Sir Arthur.
spaceman1953 Member
Posts: 953 From: South Bend, IN Registered: Apr 2002
posted 03-18-2008 08:42 PM
*
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Clarke at the University of Notre Dame several/many years back. I crashed a press conference... he was one of the most cordial men you could ever expect to meet!
I wanted to meet him because he invented the idea of communication satellites... and he signed freely for anybody who asked!
Of course, this was in pre-9/11 days and access to MANY people was without challenge...
Gene
eurospace Member
Posts: 2610 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Dec 2000
posted 03-18-2008 08:58 PM
.
------------------ Jürgen P Esders Berlin, Germany
International Director (Europe), Space Unit Vice President, Weltraum Philatelie e. V.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Astroaddies
randy Member
Posts: 2176 From: West Jordan, Utah USA Registered: Dec 1999
posted 03-18-2008 09:20 PM
.
Delta7 Member
Posts: 1505 From: Bluffton IN USA Registered: Oct 2007
posted 03-18-2008 09:43 PM
.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-18-2008 10:31 PM
Rob Godwin of Apogee Books assembled a collection of quotes about Clarke:
"Arthur C. Clarke is one of the true geniuses of our time." --Ray Bradbury
"Not since George Orwell wrote 1984 has one writer's name conjured more speculation and fascination with a year than the author of 2001: A Space Odyssey. That writer is, of course, Sir Arthur C. Clarke. He is, at 83, perhaps the most influential science fiction writer in the universe." --Tom Hanks, 73rd Academy Awards
"Nobody has done more in the way of enlightened prediction than Arthur C. Clarke." --Isaac Asimov
"He has done an enormous global service in preparing the climate for serious human presence beyond the Earth." --Carl Sagan
"In a world filled with despair and fear, Arthur C. Clarke has always come down on the side of human possibility against the forces of impossibility." --Alvin Toffler
"Arthur literally made my Star Trek idea possible, including the television series, the films, and the association and learning it has made possible for me." --Gene Roddenberry
"Arthur somehow manages to capture the hopeless but admirable human desire to know things that can really never be known." ". . . As an artist, his ability to impart poignancy to a dying ocean or an intelligent vapor is unique. He has the kind of mind of which the world can never have enough, an array of imagination, intelligence, knowledge, and a quirkish curiosity which often uncovers more than the first three qualities." --Stanley Kubrick
"Arthur C. Clarke, distinguished author of science and fiction, says ideas often have three stages of reaction--first, 'it's crazy and don't waste my time.' Second, 'it's possible, but it's not worth doing.' And finally, 'I've always said it was a good idea.'" --President Ronald Reagan
"2001 is not just another science-fiction novel or movie. It is a science-fiction milestone--one of the best novels in the genre and undoubtedly the best s.f. movie ever made.
"...Arguably, Sir Arthur (he was knighted in 1998) has done more than anyone in the 20th century to explain science to the multitude." --Gerald Jonas, New York Times
"Sir Arthur Clarke has been an inspiration to me since he wrote his first books in the 1940s. I thank him for leading us through the 20th century and guiding us to the heavens." --Daniel Goldin , NASA Administrator
"Sir Arthur Clarke is the Jules Verne of space." --Jean-Michel Cousteau, Oceanographer
"It has been a great privilege to be a friend of an individual who has made such important contributions to the extraordinary scientific/technical achievements of the 20th century and beyond." --Walter Cronkite
"I count myself among the millions who have been inspired and encouraged by Arthur C. Clarke's contributions to literature, and I count myself among his many friends." --Neil Armstrong
tegwilym Member
Posts: 2331 From: Sturgeon Bay, WI Registered: Jan 2000
posted 03-18-2008 11:48 PM
I've read his 2001 series books several times, seen 2001 many, many times and is still one of my all time favorite movies. I almost figured it out once, I was on the verge of a breakthrough in understanding the ending of the movie after reading the book again. I just about figured......*ring*....the phone rang and I lost it!
"All these worlds are yours except Europa...attempt no landings there"
.
FFrench Member
Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002
posted 03-19-2008 12:37 AM
I'm deeply saddened to hear this news. Clarke was someone who greatly inspired my interest in the subject of space as a child. As a teenager, I wrote to him on a number of occasions, and he was always kind enough to reply with answers to all kinds of questions I had about his books (particularly "2001," which greatly fascinated me as a child). He even went as far as to send me copies of books of his I couldn't find. A true, generous gentleman, who will be greatly missed.
cspg Member
Posts: 6210 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
posted 03-19-2008 01:30 AM
.
asdert Member
Posts: 54 From: Germany Registered: Jan 2006
posted 03-19-2008 03:30 AM
.
KSCartist Member
Posts: 2896 From: Titusville, FL USA Registered: Feb 2005
posted 03-19-2008 04:16 AM
"It's full of stars!"
May he forever enjoy his new view of the Universe he inspired so many to explore. My prayers go to his family at this time.
Thank you Sir Arthur for everything!
Tim
Philip Member
Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 03-19-2008 04:22 AM
R.I.P. Arthur
derek Member
Posts: 297 From: N.Ireland. Registered: Jul 2002
posted 03-19-2008 06:57 AM
I read "2001" at one sitting in July 1968 before I'd seen the movie; thanks to that - and Apollo - I'm now #157 on Virgin Galactic's passenger list. What a shame he didn't make it into space, but I will pay tribute to him - and Stanley - if I get there.
Gilbert Member
Posts: 1328 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
posted 03-19-2008 07:07 AM
Unbelievably sad!
Philip Member
Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 03-19-2008 07:18 AM
Arthur C Clarke:
"How inappropriate to call this planet Earth, when clearly it is Ocean."
ApolloAlex Member
Posts: 390 From: Yeovil, England Registered: Oct 2004
posted 03-19-2008 07:38 AM
Arthur C Clarke is one of the reasons I found such an interest in both Amateur Astronomy and Manned Space Exploration,especially after reading a great deal of his literature,especially 2001 through to 3001,my favourite must be The Songs of Distant Earth,nevertheless I found a quote made by the man himself which I think is quite fitting.
"The inspirational value of the space program is probably of far greater importance to education than any input of dollars... A whole generation is growing up which has been attracted to the hard disciplines of science and engineering by the romance of space."
I just hope the "Stargate" is how he imagined it.
------------------ "Why dont you fix your little problem and light this Candle?"
Spoon Member
Posts: 143 From: Cumbria, UK Registered: May 2006
posted 03-19-2008 07:39 AM
Throughout my life, I have found, as I am sure a lot of us have, Sir Arthur's work to be inspiring and full of hope for a future in space.
A true visionary, he will be sadly missed. Rest In Peace, Sir Arthur.
Ian
cddfspace Member
Posts: 609 From: Morris County, NJ, USA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 03-19-2008 07:49 AM
.
Lunar rock nut Member
Posts: 911 From: Oklahoma city, Oklahoma U.S.A. Registered: Feb 2007
posted 03-19-2008 08:20 AM
.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-19-2008 10:52 AM
NASA statement
quote:The following is a statement from Alan Stern, NASA associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at Headquarters in Washington, regarding the death of Arthur C. Clarke:
"Arthur Clarke was a gifted writer of science and science fiction, and an unparalleled visionary of the future, inspiring countless young people throughout the middle and later 20th century with his hopeful vision of how spaceflight would transform societies, economies, and humankind itself.
"Although his personal odyssey here on Earth is now over, his vision lives on through his writing; he will be sorely missed."
posted 03-19-2008 11:26 AM
That trip to Sri Lanka is forever cancelled.
Another visionary as Gene Roddenberry, Immortalized.
Which is your favorite A.C. Clarke literary work? and why? Any word on his next and last creative work(s) to be published?
dreamsofspace New Member
Posts: From: Registered:
posted 03-19-2008 12:11 PM
I am so saddened by this news. It sort of made the bottom drop out of my day. He gave me many of my early dreams of space. His talent as a visionary will not be seen for decades. He was one of those who made space flight happen by popularizing it and speculating about the possibilities. He dreamed large and his "what ifs" keep reminding us how far we could go as a species if we wanted.
R.I.P.
E2M Lem Man Member
Posts: 846 From: Los Angeles CA. USA Registered: Jan 2005
posted 03-19-2008 02:26 PM
The pod bay doors have closed.
"Sometimes I am asked how I would like to be remembered. I have had a diverse career as a writer, underwater explorer and space promoter. Of all these I would like to be remembered as a writer." ---Sir Arthur C. Clarke
I had the honor and pleasure of his company a few times starting in 1983- and he was always a gentleman and happy to meet you and talk.
We have lost one of the last great era writers.
.
J.M. Busby
pterodactyl Member
Posts: 21 From: Registered: Feb 2006
posted 03-19-2008 04:20 PM
Another departed great, model rocketeer founder G. Harry Stine, used to quote Sir Arthur words after he and Clarke witnessed a V-2 test launch from White Sands. Clarke said, "How can you not get excited about something that goes straight up?"
That quote pretty much summarizes the whole space exploration and rocketry experience for me.
Thank you Sir Arthur,
.
dss65 Member
Posts: 1156 From: Sandpoint, ID, USA Registered: Mar 2003
posted 03-19-2008 08:52 PM
Sir Arthur, farewell and thank you for the joy and wonder you have given me for virtually all of my life. Your vision has changed the world forever. You will be long remembered.
------------------ Don
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
quote:Science-fiction great Arthur C. Clarke never made it to outer space - but his DNA did, as part of a suborbital flight staged last year from New Mexico. And the odyssey isn’t over yet. The capsule containing a sample of Clarke’s hair was recovered, and some of that hair could be sent to the moon sometime in the next few years on a Google Lunar X Prize flight. A little bit of it will be saved for an even longer trip, into deep space … and a kind of immortality.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
quote:Visionary science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke was buried on Saturday in his adopted home of Sri Lanka, where the nation paused for an international "titan" it had adopted as its own.
...
Clarke left written instructions that his funeral be marked by "absolutely no religious rites of any kind". For his tombstone he asked for the words: "Here lies Arthur Clarke. He never grew up, but didn't stop growing".
"Asked last year if there would be any monument to his passing, Sir Arthur said 'walk into any good library and you will see my legacy there'," his secretary Nalaka Gunawardena told Reuters.
posted 03-18-2008 04:47 PM
advertisement