We have just heard the sad news that the great science fiction writer Arthur C Clarke has died at his home in Sri Lanka. Best known as the author of classic sci-fi movie 2001, which was based on his short story The Sentinel. He was a prolific novelist and short story writer. He became a well-known TV presenter in the 80s with his series Arthur C Clarke’s Mysterious World and Arthur C Clarke’s World of Strange Powers. A renowned futurologist, he is also credited with supplying the idea for the basis of modern geostationary satellite communication, which is sometimes known as the Clarke Orbit or the Clarke Belt.
When we first heard the news here on March 18 it was announced he had passed away on March 19. So the eminent futurologist actually died in our future.
Although his passing is a sad day for science fiction, he will always be remembered through his literary legacy and for future sci-fi authors through his annual Award, which will no doubt take on a different atmosphere this year.
It is fitting that his final rendezvous with Rama took place on the island where the Hindu incarnation defeated the demon Ravana.