Space can feel far away, but for millions of people James O’Donoghue has brought it a little closer.

The University of Reading planetary scientist has made more than 100 educational animations about space, viewed more than 400 million times around the world. He has now been awarded the 2026 Carl Sagan Medal by the American Astronomical Society, recognising his “unique and impactful” communication to the general public.

The award is named after US scientist Carl Sagan, who brought the universe into people’s living rooms in the 20th Century with his 1980 documentary series Cosmos.

O’Donoghue said space was “one of the few subjects that almost everyone is curious about, and that curiosity is worth taking seriously”.

He said: “When people understand what’s happening on other planets, it changes how they see our own world.

“Sharing that science as widely and accessibly as possible is just as important as doing it in the first place.”

Alongside his animations, O’Donoghue regularly contributes to national and local media outlets, including the BBC and PBS in America.

He also organises the University of Reading’s annual Observe the Moon Night, a stargazing event that draws hundreds of people to the campus.

Explaining its selection, the American Astronomical Society said O’Donoghue was an “extraordinarily creative and effective communicator” and a “recognised leader” in planetary science.

“He truly exemplifies the spirit of the Sagan Prize through the combination of his unique and impactful communication work with his scientific leadership,” it added.

Previous winners of the award have been recognised for communicating research on topics including the origins of the Moon and the search for habitable planets beyond our solar system.

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