# Neil deGrasse Tyson

> American astrophysicist and science communicator

**Wikidata**: [Q310903](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q310903)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_deGrasse_Tyson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/neil-degrasse-tyson

## Summary
Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, cosmologist, and science communicator born on October 5, 1958. He serves as a bridge between the scientific community and the public, holding roles at institutions like the Hayden Planetarium while authoring non-fiction and acting. His work is influenced by historical figures such as Isaac Newton and Carl Sagan, and he has been recognized with numerous awards for his public outreach and scientific contributions.

## Biography
- **Born**: October 5, 1958
- **Nationality**: American (United States)
- **Education**:
  - Bronx High School of Science
  - Harvard College
  - Harvard University
  - University of Texas at Austin
  - Columbia University
  - University of Maryland
  - Princeton University
- **Known for**: Astrophysics, science communication, cosmology, and acting
- **Employer(s)**:
  - Hayden Planetarium
  - Princeton University
  - University of Maryland
  - Columbia University
  - American Museum of Natural History (associated via Hayden Planetarium)
- **Field(s)**: Astrophysics, physical cosmology, astronomy, physics, science writing, acting

## Contributions
Neil deGrasse Tyson has contributed to the public understanding of science through his multifaceted career as a science communicator, writer, and teacher. He has served in leadership roles at the Hayden Planetarium, a major center for public astronomy education. As a non-fiction writer and science writer, he has produced works that explain complex scientific topics to non-experts. His professional affiliations include memberships in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Astronomical Society, and the American Physical Society. Additionally, he has contributed to the field of physical cosmology, which studies mathematical models of the universe. His influence extends to popular culture, where he is recognized as an actor and a Trekkie (Star Trek fan). Scientific entities named in his honor include the asteroid 13123 Tyson and the amphibian species *Indirana tysoni*.

## FAQs
**What is Neil deGrasse Tyson's primary occupation?**
Neil deGrasse Tyson is primarily an astrophysicist and science communicator, though he is also classified as a cosmologist, astronomer, physicist, author, teacher, and actor.

**Where did Neil deGrasse Tyson receive his education?**
He attended the Bronx High School of Science and later earned degrees from Harvard College, Harvard University, the University of Texas at Austin, Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and Princeton University.

**What awards has Neil deGrasse Tyson received?**
He has received numerous awards, including the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Hubbard Medal, the NAS Public Welfare Medal, the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication, the Isaac Asimov Science Award, the Knight Innovation Award, the Science Writing Award, and the Dwight Nicholson Medal for Outreach.

**What are some things named after Neil deGrasse Tyson?**
An asteroid (13123 Tyson) and a species of amphibian (*Indirana tysoni*) are named after him.

**Who influenced Neil deGrasse Tyson's work?**
His work has been influenced by Isaac Newton, specifically Newton's contributions to physics and mathematics, and he is associated with Carl Sagan, a prominent figure in science communication.

## Why They Matter
Neil deGrasse Tyson matters because he plays a critical role in making complex scientific fields like astrophysics and cosmology accessible to the general public. As a science communicator, he continues the legacy of popularizing science established by figures like Carl Sagan, helping to foster public interest in the universe. His involvement with prestigious institutions such as the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Hayden Planetarium underscores his significance in both the academic and public spheres. By bridging the gap between rigorous scientific research and public understanding, he influences how society perceives and engages with science.

## Notable For
- **Awards**: Recipient of the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, NAS Public Welfare Medal, Hubbard Medal, Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication, Isaac Asimov Science Award, Knight Innovation Award, Science Writing Award, and Dwight Nicholson Medal for Outreach.
- **Professional Memberships**: Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Astronomical Society, and American Physical Society.
- **Eponyms**: The asteroid 13123 Tyson and the frog species *Indirana tysoni* are named in his honor.
- **Media Roles**: Recognized as an actor and a self-identified Trekkie (Star Trek fan).
- **Affiliations**: Connected to major organizations including PBS, The Planetary Society, and the Hayden Planetarium.
- **Influence**: His work is linked to the foundational theories of Isaac Newton and the science communication legacy of Carl Sagan.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Neil deGrasse Tyson was born on October 5, 1958, in the United States. His educational path began at the Bronx High School of Science, a specialized high school in New York City. He pursued higher education at several prestigious institutions, including Harvard College and Harvard University. He also studied at the University of Texas at Austin, Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and Princeton University.

### Career and Professional Roles
Tyson has held significant positions at various academic and scientific institutions. His employers have included Princeton University, the University of Maryland, and Columbia University. He is notably associated with the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, where he has served in a professional capacity. Additionally, he is affiliated with the American Museum of Natural History, which houses the planetarium.

### Scientific Fields and Contributions
Tyson's work spans multiple scientific disciplines. He is an astrophysicist, a field that employs the methods and principles of physics and chemistry to study astronomical objects. He is also a cosmologist, focusing on the scientific study of the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe. Specifically, he is connected to physical cosmology, the branch of cosmology that studies mathematical models of the universe. His broader fields of work include astronomy and physics.

### Science Communication and Writing
A major aspect of Tyson's career is his role as a science communicator, a person who explains science to non-experts and the public. He is a science writer and non-fiction writer, authoring texts on scientific topics. He is also a teacher, helping others to acquire knowledge and competences. His communication efforts extend to acting, where he has participated in dramatic or comic productions.

### Affiliations and Memberships
Tyson is a member of several distinguished professional societies. These include the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, an honorary society and policy research center; the American Astronomical Society, a society of professional astronomers; and the American Physical Society, a professional organization of physicists. He is also affiliated with The Planetary Society, an American non-profit research society, and PBS, an American public broadcaster.

### Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Tyson has received extensive recognition for his contributions to science and public outreach. His awards include the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award awarded by NASA to a non-government individual. He received the NAS Public Welfare Medal, conferred by the National Academy of Sciences, and the Hubbard Medal, awarded by the National Geographic Society for distinction in exploration, discovery, and research. Other honors include the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication, the Isaac Asimov Science Award from the American Humanist Association, the Knight Innovation Award, the Science Writing Award from the American Institute of Physics, and the Dwight Nicholson Medal for Outreach from the American Physical Society.

### Influence and Legacy
Tyson's work is situated within a lineage of influential scientific thinkers. He is noted as being influenced by Isaac Newton, the English mathematician and physicist who formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation. He is also associated with Carl Sagan, the American astrophysicist and science communicator known for the television series *Cosmos*. Tyson's own impact is marked by his ability to engage the public, continuing the tradition of making science accessible and exciting.

### Eponyms and Cultural Recognition
Beyond his professional work, Tyson has been honored through the naming of scientific entities. The asteroid 13123 Tyson and the amphibian species *Indirana tysoni* bear his name. Culturally, he is recognized as a Trekkie, indicating his fandom of the *Star Trek* franchise. His digital presence includes a personal website hosted by the Hayden Planetarium and numerous social media profiles.

## References

1. [Tweeting disability ... during the England riots. 2011](http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ouch/2011/08/tweeting_disability_during_the.html)
2. [Star-Trek-Fan | Memory Alpha, das Star-Trek-Wiki | Fandom](https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/de/wiki/Star-Trek-Fan?oldid=725464#Wissenschaftler_.26_Ingenieure)
3. Neil deGrasse Tyson: Atheist or Agnostic? | Big Think. YouTube. 2012
4. [Source](https://thehumanist.com/magazine/september-october-2009/features/musings-of-a-solo-ist-astrophysicist)
5. [Source](https://www.nasonline.org/programs/awards/public-welfare-medal.html)
6. [Source](https://www.aps.org/programs/honors/prizes/nicholson.cfm)
7. [Source](https://www.chipublib.org/chicago-public-library-foundation-awards/)
8. BlackPast.org
9. Mathematics Genealogy Project
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. CiNii Research
13. MusicBrainz
14. NNDB
15. IMDb
16. SNAC
17. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
18. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
19. GeneaStar
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. WGS 2016 speaker list
22. IdRef
23. BBC Things
24. Goodreads
25. Neil deGrasse Tyson (6 Character Images) - Behind The Voice Actors. Behind The Voice Actors
26. Neil deGrasse Tyson | StarTalk, Skyhooked Journalist | Muck Rack. Muck Rack
27. Golden
28. Neil deGrasse Tyson - RationalWiki. RationalWiki
29. [Podchaser](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/neil-degrasse-tyson-107ZzmV89x)
30. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/neil-degrasse-tyson-107ZzmV89x/appearances)
31. The Movie Database
32. Know Your Meme