Dad was a world-famous astronomer; Mom was the artist who drew the iconic Pioneer plaque.

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

It goes back to the starfish. That's when the light bulb really popped over my head. We'd found one on the beach, and I was struck by what astonishing creatures they are, talking with Dad about how they regenerate.

Dad was a difference maker. He reached out to people. He took them by the awe and wonder we feel over the most important questions we can think to imagine. He pulled them away from blind faith, away from pseudoscience, toward a deeper, richer understanding of the universe.

my mom and dad, the upbringing we had.

Mom [Valerie] and Dad would like to be around their grandchildren.