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 the year he turned 41, and hosted the PBS series 'NOVA ScienceNow' the year he turned 44.
Neil deGrasse Tyson was born in 1958 and is currently 68 years old. Anyone born before 1958 is older than Neil.
Neil deGrasse Tyson is 68 years old in 2026, born on October 5, 1958 in New York City, USA (Libra).
Neil deGrasse Tyson is 68 years old in 2026 and turned 68 on October 5, 2026. Neil deGrasse Tyson's age in every year ↓
Born
October 5, 1958
World pop. at birth
~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: he earned Ph.D. in Astrophysics the year he turned 32. That's 12 years from now for you.
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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 turned 32 in 1990, the year he earned Ph.D. in Astrophysics. 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 turned 41 in 1999, the year he became Director of the Hayden Planetarium. 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 turned 44 in 2002, the year he hosted the PBS series 'NOVA ScienceNow'. 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 turned 55 in 2013, the year he hosted 'Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey'. 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 turned 60 in 2018, the year he published 'Astrophysics for People in a Hurry'. 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 turned 62 in 2020, the year he received the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication. Are you older than Neil was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by year
How old was Neil deGrasse Tyson in each year?
- 2026
- Neil deGrasse Tyson is 68 years old in 2026 and turned 68 on October 5, 2026.
- 1999
- Neil deGrasse Tyson was 40 at the start of 1999 and turned 41 on October 5, 1999. That year, he became Director of the Hayden Planetarium.
- 2002
- Neil deGrasse Tyson was 43 at the start of 2002 and turned 44 on October 5, 2002. That year, he hosted the PBS series 'NOVA ScienceNow'.
- 2013
- Neil deGrasse Tyson was 54 at the start of 2013 and turned 55 on October 5, 2013. That year, he hosted 'Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey'.
- 2018
- Neil deGrasse Tyson was 59 at the start of 2018 and turned 60 on October 5, 2018. That year, he published 'Astrophysics for People in a Hurry'.
- 2020
- Neil deGrasse Tyson was 61 at the start of 2020 and turned 62 on October 5, 2020. That year, he received the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication.
Neil deGrasse Tyson's age in every year
Ages change on October 5: the first number is before that birthday, the second after it.
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- 202667 → 68 years old
