While it’s important to be professional and keep an adult attitude toward science and its popularization, we can all agree that it’s awesome to hear
Carl Sagan sing about the cosmos in this tribute video on YouTube.
Sounding like a cross between Auto-Tune-abusing T-Pain and
The Matrix’s Agent Smith, Sagan describes the natural beauty of the universe in a song called “A Glorious Dawn.” Seeing as how Sagan probably was the most successful science popularizer of all time, this song seems in keeping with his goal of getting the masses to appreciate science. A few verses even feature the “vocal” talents of noted astrophysicist Stephen Hawking (also no slouch in the “make science popular” field).
I know some people hate the robotically droning effects of Auto-Tune on the human voice, but give this song a shot. Even the most ardent Auto-Tune hater might find a few verses worthy of another listen. And if you’re a fan of the “Auto-Tune the News” series like me, you’ll get a real kick out of hearing how the creator turned the natural cadences of speech into a fully orchestrated song. Even the accompanying music video is impressive, full of beautiful universe shots to accompany Sagan and Hawking’s singing.
So what do you think? Clever way to engage the public? Stirring tribute to great science communicators? Or typical Tin Pan Alley musical schlock?
Photo credit: NASA/Cosmos Studios