Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008)

Author of more than 100 books, science fiction writer Sir Arthur C. Clarke was the first to come up with the notion of communication satellites. One of his most famous works, 2001: A Space Odyssey, was written simulataneously as a novel and a screenplay that bore the same name. The revered 1968 film (directed by Stanley Kubrick) had inspired millions and attracted a cult following. Knighted in 1998, he had lived in Sri Lanka since 1956.

Sir Arthur C. Clarke passed away early Wednesday in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He was 90 years old.