Arthur C. Clarke has died.

[Esav Benyamin]

I haven't gotten much in the way of details but an associate reported he died today at age 90, so it can't be said to be unexpected.

Not only a great writer, but a noted scientist who described synchronous communications satellites before the technology to launch them was developed, thereby cheating himself of royalties on their eventual success.

Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
Arthur C. Clarke

 

[superc]

I am very sorry to hear this. He has easily provided many decades of reading enjoyment to me and also to my parents before me. Author of 2001 Space Odessey, Rendevous With Rama, and A Fall of Moondust, etc., etc. for those unfamiliar with his name. He also laid the ground work for the Space Elevator and the Lunar Mass Accelerator.

 

[mwerner]

Likewise. I enjoyed Clarke's fiction greatly, and his straight-science writing as well.

 

[mete]

Check some of the British newspapers or BBC website for details.

 

[enderwiggin]

Wow. Clarke was one of the last great Hard Sci-Fi writers, up there with Asimov (science-wise) and Bradbury (quality of fiction-wise)

He was also just an all-around interesting guy to read. He lead a very interesting life, and he will be missed.