Neil deGrasse Tyson Talks New Book, Opens Up About Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson joins “Closer Look with Rose Scott” in studio.
Grace Walker / WABE
It was unclear if astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson would keep his job as director of the Hayden Planetarium. After multiple investigations regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and assault, he did.
“At the end of the day, evidence matters, data matters, and that’s why there were investigations,” Tyson said in an interview with “Closer Look” host Rose Scott. “The investigations ended this past March and…all projects proceeded as they were before. So, that’s due process at work.”
Now, it has been nearly one year since the allegations against Tyson gained media attention, and Tyson is back in the spotlight with a new book titled, “Letters From An Astrophysicist.”
When asked if he worried he might lose his job at the planetarium, Tyson said, “I knew that if due process followed data that would not be the case.”
He also added that he sees himself as a “servant of people’s curiosity” and that he could step away from fame and pop culture at any time.
“I could leave it tomorrow,” Tyson said. “If people don’t need or want me to be a servant, there’s a hundred other things I would do.”
Above all, Tyson said his first love is science and the universe, subjects that have captivated him from a very young age.
He recalled visiting Hayden Planetarium for the very first time at age 9.
“I remember it because I was stupefied by it,” Tyson said. “There, the lights dimmed and so many stars came out that I was star struck. And I think the universe chose me, rather than it being I who chose the universe. And I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Reflecting upon his career, Tyson said he is most proud of helping the younger generation understand and appreciate science.
“My ideal day is that people learn things from me and then they forget that I taught them, because they take ownership of what they just acquired. [That’s] very satisfying,” Tyson said.
Neil deGrasse Tyson was in Atlanta for a book signing and program at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Top Stories
