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Biography Of African American Astrophysicist: Neil Degrasse Tyson

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A phenomenon is something that is impressive or extraordinary. These words describe,African American Astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson's early life, education, and career. Ever great success has a beginning. Neil deGrasse Tyson was born in New York on October 5, 1958. Neil grew up in the Bronx with his parents, older brother, and sister. “When he was nine, he took his first trip to the Hayden Planetarium, and this struck his interest in the stars” (“Neil deGrasse Tyson” Bio). Not long after this, “Neil and his family took a trip to Pennsylvania“(Ventura 6). There were no lights in the way of the stairs like in New York, so Neil was able to see the stars better (Ventura 6). This made him realize that the stars on the planetarium ceiling were not just a part of a show, but they were real. At that moment, …show more content…

Neil believed that he could truly make the world a better place for African-Americans and make it as an astrophysicist. Neil became the director of the Hayden Planetarium in 1996. In 1997, Neil removed Pluto from the solar system model. President George W Bush asked Neil to study the future of exploring space for the US, in 2001 and 2004. Following 2005, “the International Astronomical Union agreed that Neil’s theory about Pluto was correct, and he also was asked to join NASA” (Ventura 22- 23). This was uncommon because during Neil’s time there were no African Americans at NASA. “Tyson has also written eleven books, including: Death by Black Hole, Other Cosmic Quandaries, and The Pluto Files. (Ventura 25). Tyson hosted the series Origins in 2004,and NOVA ScienceNow in 2006. Tyson has also been a guest on many TV shows. In 2006, he started Star Talk Radio. Neil also has hosted a television series called Cosmos: A Space-time Odyssey. “Neil deGrasse Tyson has brought diversity, by being one of the few African-American scientists in his subject area” (“Neil deGrasse Tyson"

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