Neil deGrasse Tyson
Astrophysicist & Director, Hayden Planetarium
1958 – present
Neil deGrasse Tyson is the most recognisable astrophysicist alive. As Director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, he made the audacious — and controversial — decision in 2000 to display Pluto separately from the eight classical planets, effectively demoting it years before the International Astronomical Union made it official in 2006. He hosted "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" (2014), the long-awaited sequel to Carl Sagan's iconic series, reaching 135 million viewers in 181 countries. His podcast "StarTalk" attracts 40 million+ listeners per year. He brings the universe to breakfast tables, late night shows, and living rooms — and in doing so has done more than almost anyone alive to make astrophysics feel urgent, personal, and accessible.
Key Contribution
Hosted Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, seen by 135 million people in 181 countries. Led the reclassification of Pluto to dwarf planet. Director of the Hayden Planetarium for over 20 years. Made astrophysics accessible to a generation through books, podcasts, and television.
“We are part of this universe; we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts, is that the universe is in us.”
— Neil deGrasse Tyson
Works & Achievements
- ✦Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014) — 181 countries, 135M viewers
- ✦Astrophysics for People in a Hurry (2017)
- ✦StarTalk Podcast — 40M+ listeners
- ✦Death by Black Hole (2007)
- ✦Director, Hayden Planetarium, NYC (since 1996)
- ✦Demoted Pluto — before the IAU made it official (2000)