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Neil DeGrasse Tyson

NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal Recipient Host of "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey" NY Times Bestselling Author, "Death By Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries"

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson (born October 5, 1958) is a world-renowned American astrophysicist, bestselling author, media personality, and executive leader in scientific literacy. Since 1996, Dr. Tyson has served as the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, becoming one of the most recognized and influential public intellectuals of the modern era. Celebrated for his ability to translate complex scientific phenomena into accessible, inspiring narratives, he is the host of the Emmy-nominated television and podcast franchise StarTalk and the global television series Cosmos. A recipient of the National Academy of Sciences Public Welfare Medal and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, Dr. Tyson provides corporate booking clients, technology forums, and executive leadership summits an unparalleled keynote voice on innovation, scientific methodology, and the power of global perspective.

Early Life & Breakout

Raised in New York City, Dr. Tyson’s passion for astronomy was ignited at age nine during a visit to the Hayden Planetarium—the very institution he would later direct. He attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, where he served as captain of the wrestling team and editor of the school’s physical science journal.

Dr. Tyson pursued an elite academic path, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Harvard University in 1980, a Master of Arts in Astronomy from the University of Texas at Austin in 1983, and both a Master of Philosophy (1989) and a Doctorate (PhD) in Astrophysics from Columbia University in 1991. His professional breakout as a public science communicator began in 1995 through his popular "Universe" monthly essay column for Natural History magazine. In 1996, at age 37, he was appointed Director of the Hayden Planetarium, becoming the youngest director in the institution's history and leading its multi-million-dollar modern redevelopment into the Rose Center for Earth and Space.

Career Highlights & Accomplishments

Dr. Tyson’s career is defined by his landmark contributions to public policy, literature, and broadcast media. On the national policy stage, he was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on two major presidential commissions: the Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry (2001) and the Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy ("Moon, Mars and Beyond") Commission (2004).

In television, Dr. Tyson hosted PBS’s NOVA ScienceNow from 2006 to 2011 before executive producing and hosting Fox/National Geographic’s Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014)—the successor to Carl Sagan’s iconic 1980 series. The show achieved global broadcast distribution across 181 countries, winning four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Critics' Choice Television Award, later followed by Cosmos: Possible Worlds (2020). He also launched StarTalk in 2009, a multi-platform podcast and National Geographic television show bridging science, pop culture, and humor.

As an author, Dr. Tyson has penned over 15 books, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers Astrophysics for People in a Hurry (2017), Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization (2022), and To Infinity and Beyond (2023). His institutional honors include 23 honorary doctorates, the Stephen Hawking Medal, and having Asteroid 13123 Tyson official named in his honor by the International Astronomical Union.

Current Endeavors & Legacy

Dr. Tyson remains at the forefront of global scientific discourse, continuing his executive duties at the Hayden Planetarium while authoring new works, including Lost in Space: 5,000 Facts For Navigating The Universe (2026). He maintains a highly active international speaking schedule, delivering sold-out theater lectures, corporate keynotes, and commencement addresses worldwide.

Beyond his scientific output, Dr. Tyson is a proven authority on brand stewardship, education reform, and executive communication. For event planners and corporate organizers, Dr. Tyson brings a rare combination of cultural celebrity, rigorous scholarship, and actionable insights on fostering organizational curiosity and technological foresight.

Fees vary based on the celebrity or speaker, travel needs, performance type, and event location. Most bookings include an appearance fee, travel costs, and production requirements. SME Entertainment Group provides detailed estimates before any commitments.

Availability depends on Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s travel schedule, tour dates, and filming or corporate commitments. We confirm availability quickly so you can lock in your event plans.

Neil DeGrasse Tyson can deliver keynotes, performances, meet-and-greets, Q&A sessions, or custom programming. We outline all options and help tailor the experience to your audience.

Most of our talent requires specific AV setups, hospitality needs, and travel accommodations. We translate every rider into clear, manageable steps so there are no surprises.

Hosts often look for increased attendance, deeper engagement, or added credibility. We share relevant case studies, past events, and positioning guidance to ensure the talent supports your goals.

The process includes inquiry, availability check, offer submission, contract execution, and event coordination. Timelines vary, but many bookings finalize within one to three weeks.

Yes, many speakers and performers can tailor content to your theme, audience, or organization. We help shape and refine requests to ensure a seamless fit.

We provide background, reviews, and insights from past events. Our recommendations focus on reliability, audience response, and how well the talent collaborates with hosts.

Some talent can record promo videos, join media interviews, or approve social assets. Availability for promotional work is usually negotiated during contracting.

Contracts include clauses for refunds, rescheduling, substitutions, and unexpected circumstances. We guide you through all policies to protect your event.

To learn more on how to booking Neil DeGrasse Tyson or get availability for Neil Degrasse Tyson booking for your corporate event, fund raising event, celebrity appearances, private party, corporate performance, or a corporate speaker, contact our booking agents at (310) 207-2233

SME Entertainment Group (a Live Nation Company) is your leading source for booking Neil DeGrasse Tyson

SME Entertainment Group ("SME") is an event producer working with corporations and leading associations around the world to provide musical acts, comedians, and all types of keynote speakers for talent booking services for corporate events and private events.