Tyson has also served as a presidential advisor. He is one of the few African Americans in his field.

In addition to breaking down barriers between scientists and the general public, Tyson has brought diversity to astrophysics. Tyson has taken his message to the airwaves, serving as the host of NOVA ScienceNow documentary series from 2006 to 2011. 'One of my goals is to bring the universe down to Earth in a way that further excites the audience to want more,' he once said. In addition to his work at the planetarium, Tyson has found other ways of improving the nation's scientific literacy. The organization officially labeled Pluto as a dwarf planet. While some asked for the planet Pluto back, the International Astronomical Union followed Tyson's lead in 2006. He classified Pluto as a dwarf planet, which invoked a strong response from some visitors. One of Tyson's most controversial decisions at the time was the removal of Pluto from the display of planets. The $210 million project was completed in 2000, and the revamped site offered visitors a cutting-edge look at astronomy. Tyson eventually became the director of the Hayden Planetarium and worked on an extensive renovation of the facility, assisting with its design and helping raise the necessary funds. Career Highlights Director of the Hayden Planetarium

After spending a few years doing post-doctorate work at Princeton University, Tyson landed a job at the Hayden Planetarium. He then earned a bachelor's degree in Physics from Harvard University and a doctorate in astrophysics from Columbia University in 1991. As a teenager, he would watch the skies from the roof of his apartment building.Īn excellent student, Tyson graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1976. Tyson later took classes at the Planetarium and got his own telescope. When he was nine, he took a trip to the Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History where he got his first taste of star-gazing. Early Life and Educationīorn in New York City on October 5, 1958, Tyson discovered his love for the stars at an early age. Tyson remains a popular TV science expert today.

Additionally, he has served as host of NOVA ScienceNow and the StarTalk Radio podcast. Tyson went to work for the Hayden Planetarium in 1996 before becoming its director. He has a great talent for presenting complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner.Īfter studying at Harvard University, he earned his doctorate from Columbia University in 1991. One of America's best-known scientists, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has spent much of his career sharing his knowledge with others.

Cosmic quandaries