Neil deGrasse Tyson

**Neil deGrasse Tyson** is an American *astrophysicist*, author, and preeminent science communicator whose career spans over three decades of public engagement with the cosmos. Born on October 5, 1958 in New York City, he grew up in the Bronx and Riverdale, where a childhood visit to the Hayden Planetarium ignited a lifelong fascination with the night sky. After earning a B.A. in physics at Harvard (1980), an M.A. in astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin (1983), and a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Columbia University (1991), Tyson embarked on a research track that included post‑doctoral work at Princeton and a faculty appointment as a visiting research scientist. In 1994 he joined the American Museum of Natural History as a staff scientist and quickly rose to become director of the Hayden Planetarium, overseeing its $210 million renovation and establishing the museum’s Department of Astrophysics in 1997.

Beyond academic roles, Tyson has become a cultural icon through television, podcasts, and books. He hosted PBS’s *NOVA ScienceNow* (2006‑2011), revived Carl Sagan’s *Cosmos* series (2014‑2020), and created the popular *StarTalk* podcast and YouTube channel, amassing millions of subscribers. His bestselling titles, from *Death by Black Hole* to *Astrophysics for People in a Hurry*, translate complex scientific concepts into accessible prose, earning him the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Public Welfare Medal, and a place on *Time*’s 100‑Most‑Influential list. Tyson’s advocacy for space exploration, scientific literacy, and inclusive education, combined with his engaging on‑screen presence, has made him a trusted voice guiding the public through the wonders and challenges of the universe.