Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane has donated astronomer Carl Sagan's papers to the Library of Congress.

"The work of Carl Sagan has been a profound influence in my life, and the life of every individual who recognizes the importance of humanity's ongoing commitment to the exploration of our universe," said MacFarlane in a statement. "The continuance of our journey outward into space should always occupy some part of our collective attention, regardless of whatever Snooki did last week."

A sentiment that Sagan (1934-1996) surely would have agreed with, given his interest in conveying the wonder of science to the public. The 800 boxes of personal papers, letters, book drafts and other materials cover the famed planetary scientist's career at Cornell, a time when he made the PBS series, Cosmos, and later a book of the same name, which rocketed him to fame. MacFarlane is an executive producer on a remake of the series planned by the Fox network.

Sagan was also heavily involved in scientific discussions about nuclear winter, an arms control debate which played a role in early disputes about human impacts on climate. His papers will be made available to historians once they have been indexed by library archivists.

USA Today