
Astrophysicist
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Neil deGrasse Tyson was born on October 5, 1958 in New York City, USA. He became Director of the Hayden Planetarium at age 41 and hosted the PBS series 'NOVA ScienceNow' at 44.
Neil deGrasse Tyson was born in 1958 and is currently 68 years old. Anyone born before 1958 is older than Neil.
Born
October 5, 1958
New York City, USA
World pop: ~2.9B
Neil's age
68
Your age
20
Are you older than Neil deGrasse Tyson?
No — Neil deGrasse Tyson was born in 1958. You were born in 2006, making you 48 years younger.
At your age (20), Neil hadn't yet reached his first major milestone. Neil was 32 when he earned Ph.D. in Astrophysics — that's 12 years from now for you.
Neil's Life Timeline
Neil deGrasse Tyson was born in 1958 in New York City, where he developed a passion for astronomy at a young age. He attended the Bronx High School of Science, where he excelled in science and mathematics. Tyson went on to earn his undergraduate degree in Physics from Harvard University and later obtained his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Columbia University. His early fascination with the stars and the universe laid the foundation for a remarkable career in science communication.
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Throughout his career, Neil deGrasse Tyson has become a prominent figure in popularizing science. He has hosted several television shows, including the acclaimed series 'Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey,' which introduced a new generation to the wonders of the universe. Tyson's ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner has made him a beloved figure among both scientists and the general public.
In addition to his work in media, Tyson has held various prestigious positions, including serving as the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. He has authored numerous books on astrophysics and science, contributing to the public's understanding of the cosmos. Tyson's commitment to education and science advocacy continues to inspire countless individuals to explore the universe and pursue careers in STEM fields.
Earned Ph.D. in Astrophysics
Neil deGrasse Tyson, at 32, earned his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Columbia University, solidifying his expertise in the field.
Neil deGrasse Tyson was 32 years old when he earned Ph.D. in Astrophysics in 1990. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Became Director of the Hayden Planetarium
Neil deGrasse Tyson, at 41, became the director of the Hayden Planetarium, where he has worked to enhance public understanding of astronomy.
Neil deGrasse Tyson was 41 years old when he became Director of the Hayden Planetarium in 1999. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Hosted the PBS series 'NOVA ScienceNow'
Neil deGrasse Tyson was 44 years old when he hosted the PBS series 'NOVA ScienceNow.' This role expanded his reach as a science communicator.
Neil deGrasse Tyson was 44 years old when he hosted the PBS series 'NOVA ScienceNow' in 2002. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Hosted 'Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey'
Neil deGrasse Tyson, at 55, hosted 'Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey,' a groundbreaking series that rekindled interest in science and the universe.
Neil deGrasse Tyson was 55 years old when he hosted 'Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey' in 2013. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Published 'Astrophysics for People in a Hurry'
Neil deGrasse Tyson, at 60, published 'Astrophysics for People in a Hurry,' a bestselling book that made complex astrophysical concepts accessible to the general public.
Neil deGrasse Tyson was 60 years old when he published 'Astrophysics for People in a Hurry' in 2018. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Received the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication
Neil deGrasse Tyson, at 62, received the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication, recognizing his efforts to promote scientific understanding.
Neil deGrasse Tyson was 62 years old when he received the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication in 2020. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | 0 | |
| 1959 | 1 | |
| 1960 | 2 | |
| 1961 | 3 | |
| 1962 | 4 | |
| 1963 | 5 | |
| 1964 | 6 | |
| 1965 | 7 | |
| 1966 | 8 | |
| 1967 | 9 | |
| 1968 | 10 | |
| 1969 | 11 | |
| 1970 | 12 | |
| 1971 | 13 | |
| 1972 | 14 | |
| 1973 | 15 | |
| 1974 | 16 | |
| 1975 | 17 | |
| 1976 | 18 | |
| 1977 | 19 | |
| 1978 | 20 | |
| 1979 | 21 | |
| 1980 | 22 | |
| 1981 | 23 | |
| 1982 | 24 | |
| 1983 | 25 | |
| 1984 | 26 | |
| 1985 | 27 | |
| 1986 | 28 | |
| 1987 | 29 | |
| 1988 | 30 | |
| 1989 | 31 | |
| 1990 | 32 | earned Ph.D. in Astrophysics |
| 1991 | 33 | |
| 1992 | 34 | |
| 1993 | 35 | |
| 1994 | 36 | |
| 1995 | 37 | |
| 1996 | 38 | |
| 1997 | 39 | |
| 1998 | 40 | |
| 1999 | 41 | became Director of the Hayden Planetarium |
| 2000 | 42 | |
| 2001 | 43 | |
| 2002 | 44 | hosted the PBS series 'NOVA ScienceNow' |
| 2003 | 45 | |
| 2004 | 46 | |
| 2005 | 47 | |
| 2006 | 48 | |
| 2007 | 49 | |
| 2008 | 50 | |
| 2009 | 51 | |
| 2010 | 52 | |
| 2011 | 53 | |
| 2012 | 54 | |
| 2013 | 55 | hosted 'Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey' |
| 2014 | 56 | |
| 2015 | 57 | |
| 2016 | 58 | |
| 2017 | 59 | |
| 2018 | 60 | published 'Astrophysics for People in a Hurry' |
| 2019 | 61 | |
| 2020 | 62 | received the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication |
| 2021 | 63 | |
| 2022 | 64 | |
| 2023 | 65 | |
| 2024 | 66 | |
| 2025 | 67 | |
| 2026 | 68 |



