In Memoriam Arthur C. Clarke

Yuri’s Night Bay Area 2008 is dedicated to the memory of Arthur C. Clarke.

Arthur C. Clarke (1917–2008) was best known as a science fiction author whose visions of the future have guided a generation of explorers. We owe much of how we think about space exploration, alien life, and the future of humanity to classic works like 2001, A Space Odyssey and Rendevous with Rama. He predicted technology decades ahead of its time, and he understood and explored its implications in rich and compelling detail. With his unique combination of dazzling creativity, penetrating insight, and deep understanding our role in this universe, Clarke embodied much of what Yuri’s Night strives to promote.

Clarke paved the roads that we now follow. Without him, those roads will be just a little bit rougher. He will be greatly missed.