A show review by: Lee Sonogan

(2017) Science, Astrophysics, Applied physics

Of all the sciences cultivated by mankind, Astronomy is acknowledged to be, and undoubtedly is, the most sublime, the most interesting, and the most useful. For, by knowledge derived from this science, not only the bulk of the Earth is discovered . . . ; but our very faculties are enlarged with the grandeur of the ideas it conveys, our minds exalted above [their] low contracted prejudices. — James Ferguson, Astronomy Explained Upon Sir Isaac Newton’s Principles, And Made Easy To Those Who Have Not Studied Mathematics (1757)

On the 15th of July, I went to this show in Melbourne, Australia. Buying it months ago, I finally got to see Neil Degrasse Tyson live in person. In the Australian tour, Tyson and Think Inc bring Australian astrophysicists to introduce the lead speaker (Tyson) and stick around later on. Overall the show is very educational and brings up thinkpieces, science, theory’s, logic, people interaction, humour and many other interesting topics that are worth hearing.

Fun facts:

• He is consulting on an ambition new video game called Space odyssey. A simulation based on physics in space and space phenomena
• Over 18 Honorary doctorates all in America
• Over 13 books with various information on space and time
• Made cameo appearance appearances in many films and tv shows
• Hosted and created many of his own documentaries and tv shows
• Over 14 published research publications in the science journals
• In 2001 an asteroid was named: ‘13123 Tyson’ by the International Astronomical Union
• Tyson eventually became the director of the Planetarium and worked on an extensive renovation of the facility, from assisting with its design to helping raise the necessary funds. This $210 million project was completed in 2000, and the revamped site offered visitors a cutting-edge look at astronomy
• He classified Pluto as a dwarf planet, which invoked a strong response from some visitors. While some asked for the planet Pluto back, the International Astronomical Union followed Tyson’s lead in 2006. The organization officially labeled Pluto as a dwarf planet

Tyson has also served as a presidential advisor. In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed him to a commission on the future of the aerospace industry. He also served another commission three years later to examine U.S. policy on space exploration.

After the official presentation, the introducer astrophysicist comes back and then there are questions being asked between the two. Follow up questions from the presentation and interesting/ relevent conversation that I can only assume happens each time in their structure of the show. Then, as said at the start of the talk, questions from the crowd.

Reading his newest book, I understood what he was talking about well. So well, a lot of the first forty minutes was from his book performed in different ways. I did not mind hearing it again but, I had to hear people in the crowd speak out thoughts that I have already had by reading Astrophysics for people in a hurry. He has a great mind and spreads good scientific analysis into what he says. No one in any crowd would dare to debate him at any level. For a show stand point it may be a higher rating, seeing that his Cosmos tv series and newest book had me too well prepared.

PS – I bought one of his books that’s four times the size of ‘Astrophysics for people in a hurry’. More than 40 essays compiled together in one book that’s well reclaimed by people.

“We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically.”
― Neil deGrasse Tyson

7.1/10