Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, planetary scientist, author, and science communicator. He is the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City. Tyson is known for his ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible to a wide audience through his books, television appearances, and the popular podcast and radio show StarTalk.

Early Life

Born and raised in New York City, Tyson developed a strong interest in astronomy at a young age after a visit to the Hayden Planetarium. He pursued his passion, earning a BA in physics from Harvard University and a PhD in astrophysics from Columbia University.

Career

Tyson's career has spanned research, teaching, and science communication. He has held research positions at Princeton University and the American Museum of Natural History. As director of the Hayden Planetarium, he oversaw its $210 million renovation. He has hosted several television series, including Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, a sequel to Carl Sagan's Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, and StarTalk. He is also a prolific author of popular science books such as Astrophysics for People in a Hurry and Death by Black Hole.

Personal Life

Tyson is married and has two children. He is a wine enthusiast and his collection has been featured in Wine Spectator.

Awards

Tyson has received numerous awards for his contributions to science and science communication, including the Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Sciences and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal.