Neil deGrasse Tyson: The Man who Loves Cosmos

Neil deGrasse Tyson, without a doubt, is one of the best astrophysicists, but he’s also an incredible science communicator. Although his primary focus has always been astrophysics, he continually emphasises making science accessible to everyone. Therefore, he has become known not only for his research but also for explaining complex concepts in simple terms.

Bio Table

Full Name	Neil deGrasse Tyson
Known as	Neil deGrasse Tyson
Date of Birth	October 5, 1958
Age (as of 2024)	66 years
Hometown	New York City, USA
Nationality	American
Religion	None (Agnostic)
Profession	Astrophysicist, Author, Cosmologist
Weight	96 kg
Height	6 feet 2 inches
Coach/Mentor	Carl Sagan (Influence)
Net Worth	$5 million (as of 2024)
Marital Status	Married
Marriage Date	1988
Education	Harvard University (BA) University of Texas at Austin (MA) Columbia University (MPhil, PhD)

Early Life, Family, and Education

He was born on October 5th, 1958, in New York City, where he spent most of his childhood. Little is known about his childhood besides the fact that he came from a humble background. However, his passion for the stars became evident by the time he was nine years old. For example, observing the stars at the Sunchita, Planetarium awoke his interest in the universe, which he would have for the remainder of his years. His father, Cyril, had been engaged in sociologist professions, and his mother, Sunchita, worked as a gerontologist. Furthermore, Neil had two siblings; these included a brother by the name of Stephen and a sister, Lynn, who encouraged him.

He was able to achieve equally in his academics and athletic activities while in school. Neil, like any other intelligent character in the movie, was both academically inclined as well as interested in wrestling; he was a wrestler at the Bronx High School of Science. Therefore, he decided to take physics courses at Harvard University; he later took a Ph.D. in astronomy at Columbia University. Even though Carl Sagan offered him to enter Cornell University, Neil decided to study at Harvard as an undergraduate.

Family Table

Father’s Name	Cyril deGrasse Tyson
Mother’s Name	Sunchita Feliciano Tyson
Sister/Brother Name	Lynn Tyson (sister), Stephen Tyson (brother)
Wife’s Name	Alice Young
Children’s Name	Two children (names not publicly known)

Career

After completing his studies, Neil deGrasse Tyson began his career as a researcher but quickly shifted to public communication. While working at the Hayden Planetarium, which he became director of in 1996, he revolutionised public science education. Not only did he focus on making astronomy accessible, but he also modernised the planetarium to better inspire future generations.

In addition to his work at the planetarium, Tyson became known for playing a key role in the controversial reclassification of Pluto. As part of this scientific debate, he argued that should be considered a dwarf planet, which ultimately changed how the world views our solar system. However, this decision sparked significant public debate, demonstrating Tyson’s commitment to scientific accuracy despite popular opinion.

Over time, he established himself as one of the best astrophysicists in the world, and his books further cemented his reputation. For instance, his best-selling book Astrophysics for People in a Hurry gained widespread popularity, while his television appearances increased his visibility. Moreover, Tyson hosted TV shows like Cosmos and StarTalk, which made science even more accessible to a general audience.

Famous For

Although Neil deGrasse Tyson is primarily famous for his scientific work, he is also renowned for popularising astronomy. Moreover, his role in the Pluto debate and his leadership at the Hayden Planetarium have solidified his fame.

Achievements

• Directed the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History since 1996, modernising it for the public.
• helped lead the debate that reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet in 2006—a landmark moment in astronomy.
• Hosted popular science shows such as Cosmos and StarTalk, making science fun and accessible for general audiences.
• authored best-selling books like Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, which demystified astrophysics for everyday readers.
• Awarded NASA’s Distinguished Public Service Medal in 2004 for his contributions to science communication.
• Featured in Time magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, proving his global impact.

Unknown Facts

Despite his fame, many people don’t know that Neil deGrasse Tyson was once a competitive wrestler during high school. Furthermore, Carl Sagan personally invited him to study at Cornell, although Tyson ultimately decided to attend Harvard. Moreover, Tyson has made cameo appearances on popular shows further connecting with popular culture. Being a true astrophysicist, Tyson’s favourite planet isn’t Earth but Saturn, thanks to its beautiful rings.

Interested in famous personalities? Explore the biography of Nelson Mandela here!

FAQ