Early Life and Education of Neil deGrasse Tyson: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Neil deGrasse Tyson. From birth to education, explore key events.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a prominent American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator. He received his education from Harvard, the University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University, followed by a postdoctoral position at Princeton. In 1994, he joined the Hayden Planetarium, becoming its director in 1996. Tyson spearheaded the planetarium's $210 million renovation completed in 2000. Since 1996, he has remained director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City. Furthermore, he established the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History in 1997, where he has been a research associate since 2003.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1927: Birth of Cyril deGrasse Tyson

In 1927, Cyril deGrasse Tyson, Neil deGrasse Tyson's father, was born. He was a sociologist and human resource commissioner for New York City.

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1928: Birth of Sunchita Maria Tyson

In 1928, Sunchita Maria Tyson, Neil deGrasse Tyson's mother, was born. She was a gerontologist for the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

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October 5, 1958: Neil deGrasse Tyson's Birth

On October 5, 1958, Neil deGrasse Tyson, an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator, was born.

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June 1973: Explorers Club Scholarship to View Solar Eclipse

In June 1973, at the age of 14, Neil deGrasse Tyson received a scholarship from the Explorers Club of New York to view the total solar eclipse aboard the SS Canberra, a scientific cruise with notable figures like Neil Armstrong and Isaac Asimov.

1975: Meeting with Carl Sagan

In 1975, Carl Sagan invited the 17-year-old Neil deGrasse Tyson to spend a day in Ithaca, an experience that profoundly influenced Tyson's aspirations to become a scientist and the kind of person he wanted to be.

1976: Graduation from Bronx High School of Science

In 1976, Neil deGrasse Tyson graduated from The Bronx High School of Science, where he was captain of the wrestling team and editor-in-chief of the Physical Science Journal.

1980: Bachelor of Arts Degree from Harvard College

In 1980, Neil deGrasse Tyson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics at Harvard College.

1983: Master of Arts Degree in Astronomy

In 1983, Neil deGrasse Tyson received a Master of Arts degree in astronomy from the University of Texas at Austin.

1986: Lecturer at University of Maryland

From 1986, Neil deGrasse Tyson was a lecturer in astronomy at the University of Maryland.

1987: End of Lectureship at University of Maryland

In 1987, Neil deGrasse Tyson's time as a lecturer in astronomy at the University of Maryland concluded.

1988: Marriage to Alice Young

In 1988, Neil deGrasse Tyson married Alice Young, whom he met in a physics class at the University of Texas at Austin.

1988: Astronomy Graduate Program at Columbia University

In 1988, Neil deGrasse Tyson was accepted into the astronomy graduate program at Columbia University.

1989: Master of Philosophy Degree in Astrophysics

In 1989, Neil deGrasse Tyson earned a Master of Philosophy degree in astrophysics at Columbia University.

1991: Postdoctoral Research at Princeton University

In 1991, Neil deGrasse Tyson became a postdoctoral research associate at Princeton University, marking a significant step in his early career.

1991: PhD Degree in Astrophysics

In 1991, Neil deGrasse Tyson earned a PhD degree in astrophysics at Columbia University under the supervision of Professor R. Michael Rich.

1993: Declines Interviews Based on Race

Since 1993, Neil deGrasse Tyson has declined every interview that has his being black as a premise, to avoid it becoming the primary focus of people's understanding of him, rather than astrophysics.

1994: Joining Hayden Planetarium and Princeton Faculty

In 1994, Neil deGrasse Tyson joined the Hayden Planetarium as a staff scientist and also became a visiting research scientist and lecturer at Princeton University.

May 2000: Wine Collection Featured in Wine Spectator

In May 2000, Neil deGrasse Tyson's wine collection was featured in the Wine Spectator magazine.

September 11, 2001: Witness to 9/11 Attacks

On September 11, 2001, Neil deGrasse Tyson, who lived near the World Trade Center, was an eyewitness to the September 11 attacks and wrote a widely circulated letter about what he saw.

2005: Addresses diversity in science

In 2005, Neil deGrasse Tyson participated in a panel discussion where he spoke about the importance of equal opportunity in sciences, referencing the barriers faced by Black people and women.

2005: Wine Collection Featured in The World of Fine Wine

In 2005, Neil deGrasse Tyson's wine collection was featured in The World of Fine Wine magazine.

2006: Views on Science, Spirituality

In 2006, Neil deGrasse Tyson extensively wrote and broadcast about his views on science, spirituality, and the spirituality of science, including the essays "The Perimeter of Ignorance" and "Holy Wars" in Natural History magazine and at the Beyond Belief workshop. He also defined spirituality in an interview with Paul Mecurio.

2008: Appears in Documentary

In 2008, footage filmed by Neil deGrasse Tyson on September 11, 2001, was included in the documentary film 102 Minutes That Changed America.

2009: Declines Atheist Label

In 2009, during an interview called "Called by the Universe: A Conversation with Neil deGrasse Tyson", Neil deGrasse Tyson stated that he does not identify as an atheist and does not have the interest or energy to conduct himself as one.

May 2011: Donates Speaking Income

In May 2011, on StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson mentioned he donates all income earned as a guest speaker. He also frequently participates in Reddit AMAs, with three of his being among the most popular.

March 2014: Discusses God and Atheism

In March 2014, Neil deGrasse Tyson discussed his views on God and his discomfort with the label "atheist" in an interview with Massimo Pigliucci, stating that he remains unconvinced by claims about a divine force but doesn't care enough to be an ardent atheist.

March 2014: Comments on Philosophy

In March 2014, Neil deGrasse Tyson stated during an episode of The Nerdist Podcast that philosophy is "useless", a comment for which he was later criticized by philosopher Massimo Pigliucci.

2014: Speaks on Race and Science

In 2014, during an interview with Grantland, Neil deGrasse Tyson discussed his experience on a 2005 panel and emphasized the need to dismantle social barriers before addressing genetic differences in science. He expressed a desire to avoid making race a central point in his career to prevent distraction from astrophysics.