History of Neil deGrasse Tyson in Timeline
Neil deGrasse Tyson is a renowned American astrophysicist, science communicator, and author. He pursued his education at esteemed institutions such as Harvard University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University. Following his postdoctoral research at Princeton University, Tyson joined the Hayden Planetarium in 1994 as a staff scientist. In 1996, he assumed the role of director and played a pivotal role in the planetarium's extensive $210 million renovation. Tyson has held the position of director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City since 1996. Notably, he established the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History in 1997 and has served as a research associate within the department since 2003.
1927: Birth of Cyril deGrasse Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson's father, Cyril deGrasse Tyson, was born in 1927.
1928: Birth of Sunchita Maria Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson's mother, Sunchita Maria Tyson, was born in 1928.
October 5, 1958: Neil deGrasse Tyson is born
On October 5, 1958, Neil deGrasse Tyson was born in Manhattan, New York.
June 1973: Tyson Views Total Solar Eclipse
At the age of 14, Tyson was awarded a scholarship by the Explorers Club of New York to witness the total solar eclipse in June 1973 aboard the SS Canberra.
1975: Tyson Meets Carl Sagan
When Tyson was 17 years old, he received an invitation from Carl Sagan to spend a day in Ithaca. This encounter left a lasting impact on Tyson, inspiring him not only to pursue science but also to embody the same kind of person Sagan was.
1976: Tyson Graduates from The Bronx High School of Science
Neil deGrasse Tyson graduated from The Bronx High School of Science in 1976, where he excelled as the captain of the wrestling team and the editor-in-chief of the Physical Science Journal.
1980: Tyson Earns Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Harvard College
Tyson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics from Harvard College in 1980.
1983: Tyson Receives Master of Arts in Astronomy from University of Texas at Austin
Tyson received a Master of Arts degree in astronomy from the University of Texas at Austin in 1983.
1984: Allegation of Rape During Graduate School
One woman accused Neil deGrasse Tyson of drugging and raping her in 1984 while they were both graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin. Tyson denied this accusation.
1986: Tyson Begins Lecturing at University of Maryland
Tyson started working as a lecturer in astronomy at the University of Maryland in 1986.
1987: Tyson Concludes Lecturing at University of Maryland
Tyson concluded his time as a lecturer in astronomy at the University of Maryland in 1987.
1988: Tyson Enters Columbia University's Astronomy Graduate Program
Tyson was accepted into the astronomy graduate program at Columbia University in 1988.
1988: Marriage to Alice Young
Neil deGrasse Tyson married his wife, Alice Young, in 1988. They met in a physics class at the University of Texas at Austin.
1989: First televised interview about scientific expertise
In 1989, Neil deGrasse Tyson was interviewed about a solar event on a Fox affiliate, marking the first time he saw a Black person on television interviewed for expertise unrelated to race. This experience profoundly impacted Tyson, solidifying his commitment to public visibility as a means to challenge stereotypes about Black people in science.
1989: Tyson Obtains Master of Philosophy in Astrophysics from Columbia University
Tyson earned a Master of Philosophy degree in astrophysics from Columbia University in 1989.
1991: Tyson's Postdoctoral Research at Princeton University
From 1991 to 1994, Tyson worked as a postdoctoral research associate at Princeton University.
1991: Tyson Earns PhD in Astrophysics from Columbia University
Tyson completed his PhD in astrophysics at Columbia University in 1991 under the guidance of Professor R. Michael Rich.
1993: Shifting focus from race to science
Since 1993, Tyson has declined interviews focused solely on his race, aiming to prioritize his scientific message over discussions about his ethnicity. This decision reflects his commitment to challenging stereotypes and promoting science education.
1994: Tyson Joins Hayden Planetarium and Princeton Faculty
In 1994, Tyson began working as a staff scientist at the Hayden Planetarium and as a visiting research scientist and lecturer at Princeton University.
1994: Tyson Joins Hayden Planetarium Staff
Tyson became a staff scientist at the Hayden Planetarium in 1994 while also serving as a research affiliate at Princeton University.
June 1995: Tyson Becomes Acting Director of Hayden Planetarium
Tyson stepped into the role of acting director at the Hayden Planetarium in June 1995.
1995: Beginning of "Universe" Column
In 1995, Neil deGrasse Tyson embarked on a significant venture by starting to pen the "Universe" column for Natural History magazine, a platform that would become instrumental in popularizing his insights on astrophysics.
1995: Tyson Begins Writing "Universe" Column
Tyson started writing monthly essays for the "Universe" column in Natural History magazine in 1995.
1996: Tyson Becomes Director of Hayden Planetarium
Tyson was appointed as the director of the Hayden Planetarium in 1996.
1996: Coining of "Manhattanhenge"
In 1996, inspired by the sun's solstice alignment with Stonehenge, Tyson coined the term "Manhattanhenge." This term describes the biannual event where the setting sun aligns with Manhattan's street grid.
1996: Tyson Appointed Director of Hayden Planetarium
In 1996, Tyson was appointed as the director of the Hayden Planetarium.
1997: Tyson Establishes Department of Astrophysics
In 1997, Tyson established the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History.
1998: Publication of "Merlin's Tour of the Universe" and "Just Visiting This Planet"
Tyson published two books in 1998: "Merlin's Tour of the Universe" and "Just Visiting This Planet." Both books contained material from his "Merlin" column in StarDate magazine.
May 2000: Wine Collection Featured
In May 2000, Neil deGrasse Tyson's impressive wine collection was featured in the Wine Spectator magazine.
2000: Hayden Planetarium Reconstruction Completed
The $210 million reconstruction project for the Hayden Planetarium, overseen by Tyson, was completed in 2000.
2000: Hayden Planetarium Reopens After Reconstruction
The Hayden Planetarium reopened in 2000 following a $210 million reconstruction project spearheaded by Tyson.
September 11, 2001: Witnessing the 9/11 attacks
Tyson witnessed the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center firsthand. His account and footage of the event were included in the documentary "102 Minutes That Changed America."
2001: Appointment to Aerospace Commission
In 2001, Tyson was appointed by President George W. Bush to the Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry, marking a significant contribution to national space policy.
2001: Tyson Serves on Government Commission for Aerospace Industry
Tyson served on a government commission in 2001 that focused on the future of the U.S. aerospace industry.
2002: Popularization of "Manhattanhenge"
Tyson further popularized the term "Manhattanhenge" in 2002 through a Natural History magazine column titled "City of Stars," bringing wider recognition to this celestial phenomenon.
2003: Tyson Becomes Research Associate
Tyson became a research associate in the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History in 2003.
2004: Tyson Serves on "Moon, Mars and Beyond" Commission and Receives NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal
Tyson served on the "Moon, Mars and Beyond" commission in 2004. In the same year, he was honored with the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal.
2004: Appointment to Space Exploration Policy Commission and NASA Honor
In 2004, Tyson's contributions were further recognized with his appointment to the "Moon, Mars, and Beyond" commission and being honored with the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest civilian recognition from NASA.
2004: Origins Miniseries and Book
Tyson hosted the PBS Nova miniseries "Origins" in 2004 and co-authored the companion book, "Origins: Fourteen Billion Years Of Cosmic Evolution," with Donald Goldsmith, further solidifying his role in science communication.
2005: Addressing barriers for minorities in science
During a 2005 conference, Tyson addressed the underrepresentation of women and minorities in science, emphasizing that societal barriers and lack of equal opportunity must be addressed before considering potential genetic factors. He highlighted his personal journey as evidence of these systemic obstacles.
2005: Addressing barriers for minorities in science
In 2005, Tyson addressed the underrepresentation of women and minorities in science, emphasizing that societal barriers and lack of equal opportunity must be addressed before considering potential genetic factors. He highlighted his personal journey as evidence of these systemic obstacles.
2005: Wine Collection Featured Again
Neil deGrasse Tyson's wine collection was featured in another publication, "The World of Fine Wine", in the Spring of 2005.
2005: Tyson Concludes "Universe" Column
Tyson stopped writing his monthly essays for Natural History magazine's "Universe" column in 2005.
November 2006: Beyond Belief Symposium
In November 2006, Tyson participated in the "Beyond Belief: Science, Religion, Reason and Survival" symposium, further demonstrating his engagement in discussions bridging science and other domains.
2006: Tyson Begins Hosting "NOVA ScienceNow"
Tyson began hosting the television show "NOVA ScienceNow" on PBS in 2006.
2006: Views on Science and Spirituality
Tyson publicly discussed his perspectives on science, spirituality, and their intersection, notably through essays like "The Perimeter of Ignorance" and "Holy Wars," and in the 2006 "Beyond Belief" workshop, sparking reflection on the relationship between these domains.
2006: Pluto Classification and Public Reaction
Tyson's decision to remove Pluto's classification as the ninth planet at the Hayden Planetarium, based on its commonalities with other celestial objects, sparked debate and even hate mail, highlighting the complexities of scientific classification and public perception, particularly after the IAU's confirmation of Pluto's dwarf planet status in 2006.
2007: Publication of "Death by Black Hole"
Tyson published his book "Death by Black Hole" in 2007, which included some of his essays from the "Universe" column.
2007: Appearances on television and radio
Tyson has appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including The Daily Show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!. These appearances demonstrate his dedication to communicating science to a wider audience.
2007: Keynote speaker at Deerfield Academy
In 2007, Tyson delivered the keynote address at the dedication ceremony of Deerfield Academy's new science center. He stressed the importance of science in the 21st century and emphasized the invaluable return on investment in scientific knowledge and education.
2008: Featured in 9/11 documentary
Tyson's footage and account of the September 11th attacks were featured in the 2008 documentary "102 Minutes That Changed America", providing a unique and personal perspective on the event.
April 2009: 400 Years of the Telescope Narration
Continuing his contributions to science documentaries, Tyson narrated the PBS program "400 Years of the Telescope" in April 2009, collaborating again with Donald Goldsmith.
May 2009: Launch of StarTalk Radio Show
Expanding his media presence, Tyson launched the radio talk show "StarTalk" in May 2009, initially co-hosted with comedian Lynne Koplitz, using humor and engaging discussions to make science more accessible.
2009: Allegation of Inappropriate Touching at Conference
A professor alleged that Neil deGrasse Tyson touched her inappropriately at an American Astronomical Society gathering in 2009. Tyson claimed his actions were misinterpreted.
2009: Tyson's Stance on Atheism
In 2009, Tyson clarified his personal views on atheism, stating that while he does not align with claims about divine forces, he does not identify as an atheist activist and prioritizes his role as a science communicator.
2009: Tyson Launches "StarTalk" Podcast
Tyson began hosting the weekly podcast "StarTalk" in 2009.
March 2010: Advocating for NASA funding
In March 2010, Tyson advocated for increased funding for NASA, arguing that the agency's contribution to national dreams outweighed its cost. He highlighted the public's tendency to overestimate NASA's budget, emphasizing its actual cost as a small fraction of tax revenue.
December 2010: StarTalk Revival and Format Change
After a brief hiatus, "StarTalk" was revived in December 2010 with a new format, featuring comedians Chuck Nice and Leighann Lord as co-hosts, and welcoming diverse guests from the scientific community and entertainment industry.
2010: Allegation of Inappropriate Comments at Party
An anonymous woman alleged that Neil deGrasse Tyson made inappropriate comments toward her during a holiday party at the American Museum of Natural History in 2010.
April 2011: Keynote Speaker at Phi Theta Kappa Convention
Tyson's influence as a science communicator was evident in his keynote address at the 93rd International Convention of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in April 2011, where he, along with James Randi, delivered a lecture on skepticism, aligning with the theme of information democratization.
May 2011: Philanthropic activities
In a May 2011 episode of StarTalk Radio, Tyson revealed that he donates all income earned from guest speaking engagements. He is also known for his active participation in Reddit AMAs, demonstrating his commitment to engaging with the public and making science accessible.
2011: End of Nova ScienceNow Hosting
Tyson concluded his role as host of the PBS program "Nova ScienceNow" in 2011, marking the end of a chapter in his science communication career.
2011: Tyson Concludes Hosting "NOVA ScienceNow"
Tyson concluded his role as host of the television show "NOVA ScienceNow" on PBS in 2011.
March 2012: Testifying before the Senate
Tyson testified before the United States Senate Science Committee in March 2012, advocating for increased investment in science and technology.
November 7, 2012: Collaborating with DC Comics
Tyson collaborated with DC Comics to accurately depict Superman's home planet, Krypton, in Action Comics #14. He identified a real star, LHS 2520, as a suitable parent star for Krypton, located in the constellation Corvus, a nod to Superman's high school mascot.
2012: Announcement of StarTalk YouTube Series
Capitalizing on the success of the radio show, Tyson announced a YouTube series based on "StarTalk" in 2012, further expanding its reach through the Nerdist YouTube Channel.
2012: Inspiring the Penny4NASA Campaign
Inspired by Tyson's advocacy for NASA, the Penny4NASA campaign was founded in 2012, aiming to increase NASA's budget to 1% of the federal budget. This demonstrates Tyson's influential role in garnering support for space exploration.
January 2013: Appearance in Action Comics #14
Tyson's collaboration with DC Comics culminated in his appearance in Action Comics #14, released in January 2013, where he scientifically determined the location of Superman's home planet, Krypton.
May 2013: Potential nominee for Science Laureate
Following the introduction of the Science Laureates of the United States Act of 2013, Tyson was considered a potential nominee for the position, highlighting his recognition as a prominent figure in science communication.
February 28, 2014: Guest at White House Student Film Festival
Tyson's recognition extended to the political sphere when he was a guest at the White House Student Film Festival on February 28, 2014, highlighting the intersection of science communication and education.
March 8, 2014: Keynote speaker at SXSW Interactive
Tyson delivered a keynote presentation at the SXSW Interactive festival on March 8, 2014, showcasing his ability to engage diverse audiences with science and technology.
March 2014: Tyson's Views on Philosophy
Tyson's comments in March 2014 regarding philosophy as "useless" during an episode of The Nerdist Podcast sparked controversy and criticism from philosophers like Massimo Pigliucci, highlighting differing perspectives on the value and relevance of philosophy in the modern world.
March 2014: Discussion on God and Atheism
Tyson engaged in a nuanced discussion about his beliefs with Massimo Pigliucci in March 2014, reiterating his discomfort with labels and expressing a lack of conviction in divine forces while respecting the work of atheist activists like Richard Dawkins.
June 3, 2014: Collaborating with CinemaSins
Tyson collaborated with the YouTube channel CinemaSins, co-reviewing the film "Gravity" on June 3, 2014. This marked the beginning of a series of collaborations, further demonstrating his commitment to making science accessible through popular media.
2014: Tyson Hosts "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey"
Tyson hosted the television series "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" in 2014, which served as a successor to Carl Sagan's 1980 series "Cosmos: A Personal Voyage."
2014: Clarifying stance on race and science
In 2014, Tyson elaborated on his 2005 comments, stating that the scientific question of genetic differences cannot be separated from the need for equal opportunity. He emphasized that the focus should remain on dismantling social barriers, not attributing differences to genetics. He also expressed his decision to stop giving talks or interviews focused solely on race, prioritizing his scientific message over discussions about his ethnicity.
2014: Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey Premiere
In a pivotal moment for science television, Tyson hosted the revival of Carl Sagan's "Cosmos: A Personal Voyage" with "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" in 2014, captivating audiences on FOX and National Geographic Channel with thirteen episodes exploring the wonders of the universe.
April 20, 2015: StarTalk Television Debut
Tyson's "StarTalk" transitioned to television with its premiere on the National Geographic Channel on April 20, 2015, featuring interviews with celebrities about their experiences with science, further bridging the gap between popular culture and scientific discourse.
September 29, 2015: Collaborating with CinemaSins
Tyson continued his collaboration with CinemaSins, co-reviewing the film "Interstellar" on September 29, 2015, further blending science and entertainment.
2015: Premiere of "StarTalk" Television Show
A spin-off of Tyson's podcast, also titled "StarTalk," premiered on National Geographic in 2015.
2015: Appearances on television and radio
Tyson has appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including The Daily Show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!. These appearances demonstrate his dedication to communicating science to a wider audience.
March 31, 2016: Collaborating with CinemaSins
Tyson's collaboration with CinemaSins continued with a co-review of the film "The Martian" on March 31, 2016, further highlighting his presence in popular media to discuss science.
2016: Collaborating with Avenged Sevenfold
Tyson collaborated with the heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold, delivering a monologue on the track "Exist" from their album "The Stage", released in 2016. This unique collaboration demonstrates his wide-ranging influence and interest in merging science with different forms of art.
2016: Cameo in Batman v Superman
Tyson made a cameo appearance as himself in the 2016 superhero film "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice."
2016: Death of Cyril deGrasse Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson's father, Cyril deGrasse Tyson, passed away in 2016.
2016: Narrating the documentary "Food Evolution"
In 2016, Tyson narrated and contributed to the script of the documentary "Food Evolution", directed by Scott Hamilton Kennedy. The film explores the debate surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
2016: Space Odyssey Video Game Development
In 2016, Tyson embarked on a new venture, co-developing the video game "Neil deGrasse Tyson Presents: Space Odyssey," aiming to create a realistic space exploration simulation with educational value, although the project was later abandoned.
2017: Collaborating with music artists
Tyson appeared on Logic's album "Everybody" and Musiq Soulchild's album "Feel the Real" in 2017. His contributions to these albums, both credited and uncredited, highlight his ongoing involvement in bridging science and music.
2017: Publication of "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry"
Tyson published his book "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" in 2017, which featured a selection of his essays from the "Universe" column.
December 2018: Sexual Misconduct Allegations Surface
In late 2018, multiple women came forward with accusations of sexual misconduct against Neil deGrasse Tyson, ranging from inappropriate touching to rape, spanning from 1984 to 2018.
2018: Guest Appearances in Television Shows
In 2018, Neil deGrasse Tyson made several guest appearances as himself in various television shows, including "The Big Bang Theory", "Gravity Falls", "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", and more.
January 3, 2019: StarTalk Put on Hiatus
The National Geographic Channel announced on January 3, 2019, that they would put further episodes of "StarTalk" on hold while the investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations against Tyson took place.
March 3, 2019: Cosmos Premiere Delayed
The premiere of "Cosmos: Possible Worlds" was delayed from its original air date of March 3, 2019, due to the ongoing investigation into the allegations against Tyson.
March 15, 2019: Investigations Conclude, Shows to Resume
National Geographic and Fox announced on March 15, 2019, that the investigations into Tyson were complete and they would move forward with both "StarTalk" and "Cosmos". No further details about the investigation were released.
March 9, 2020: Cosmos: Possible Worlds Premiere
Continuing his journey with the "Cosmos" franchise, Tyson returned on March 9, 2020, with "Cosmos: Possible Worlds," further contributing to the popular understanding and appreciation of science and exploration.
April 2020: End of Space Odyssey Video Game Development
The development of Tyson's ambitious video game project, "Neil deGrasse Tyson Presents: Space Odyssey" ended in April 2020, marking a shift in his focus and creative endeavors.
2023: Death of Sunchita Maria Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson's mother, Sunchita Maria Tyson, passed away in 2023.