Carl Sagan publishes the science fiction novel 'Contact,' which will later inspire the movie of the same name.
Screenwriter Ann Druyan and James V. Hart develop the screenplay for the movie 'Contact' based on Carl Sagan's novel.
The science fiction film 'Contact,' directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Jodie Foster, is released to the public.
Dr. Ellie Arroway detects a repeating extraterrestrial radio signal from the star system Vega using the Very Large Array.
Scientists decode the signal and discover it contains instructions for building a complex machine of unknown purpose.
Global cooperation leads to the decision to build the machine as per the instructions found in the message.
Ellie and her team face political opposition and funding difficulties amid skepticism and controversy over the machine's purpose.
Ellie is selected to travel in the machine, which activates and transports her through a series of wormholes leading to a meeting with an alien intelligence.
Ellie experiences a personal encounter with an alien who appears in a human form resembling her deceased father, exchanging knowledge and hope.
Ellie returns seemingly moments after departure but finds no physical evidence of her journey, causing public skepticism.
Ellie continues to advocate for scientific inquiry and openness regarding extraterrestrial life despite skepticism.
