Origins & Early Life

Neil deGrasse Tyson (US: də-GRASS; born October 5, 1958) is an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator. Tyson studied at Harvard University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University. From 1991 to 1994, he was a postdoctoral research associate at Princeton University. In 1994, he joined the Hayden Planetarium as a staff scientist and the Princeton faculty as a visiting research scientist and lecturer.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1996, he became director of the planetarium and oversaw its $210 million reconstruction project, which was completed in 2000. Since 1996, he has been the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City. The center is part of the American Museum of Natural History, where Tyson founded the Department of Astrophysics in 1997 and has been a research associate in the department since 2003. From 1995 to 2005, Tyson wrote monthly essays in the "Universe" column for Natural History magazine, some of which were later published in his books Death by Black Hole (2007) and Astrophysics for People in a Hurry (2017). During the same period, he wrote a monthly column in StarDate magazine, answering questions about the universe...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Andie MacDowell — Contemporary (Born in 1958) (1958): Acclaimed American actress and model known for romantic and dramatic roles.
• Angela Bassett — Contemporary (Born in 1958) (1958): Esteemed American actress celebrated for powerful roles in film and television.
• Annette Bening — Contemporary (Born in 1958) (1958): Versatile American actress celebrated for her dynamic stage and screen performances.
• Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis — Shared historical date (10-05 · Died) (1805): British general officer, politician, and administrator famed for his role in the American War of Independence.
• Cheng Yi (philosopher) — Shared historical date (10-05 · Died) (1107): A prominent Song Dynasty philosopher and classicist in Neo-Confucianism.
• Candace Bushnell — Historical peer (Born in 1958) (1958): American author, journalist, and producer known for 'Sex and the City' franchise.
• Claire Lee Chennault — Historical peer (Died in 1958) (1958): Pioneering American aviator, famed for leading the 'Flying Tigers' in WWII.
• Abby Stein — Historical peer (Born in 1991) (1991): Israeli-American author, rabbi, and activist who speaks on faith and gender identity.
• Andros Townsend — Historical peer (Born in 1991) (1991): English professional footballer known for his time at Tottenham Hotspur and subsequent moves.
• Alexia Putellas — Historical peer (Born in 1994) (1994): One of the greatest female footballers, known for her midfield brilliance and success with Barcelona and Spain.
• 1958 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1958
• October 5 (10-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 5