Across the universe

Jan 31

Episode

Across the universe

The Stream speaks to astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Neil deGrasse Tyson speaks as host of the Apollo 40th anniversary celebration held at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. (NASA/Bill Ingalls, Creative Commons)

Famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has a knack for applying his scientific brain and humor to just about any topic. Through his own fascination with space and the universe, he dedicates himself to inspiring younger generations of scientists and explorers. But one thing that bothers him most is the dwindling share of the US federal budget that its space agency NASA receives annually.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

View the story "Across the universe" on StorifyAcross the universeThe Stream speaks to astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.Storified by The Stream· Thu, Jan 31 2013 07:59:05Neil deGrasse Tyson's interest in astronomy started at age 9, following a trip to the Hayden Planetarium. As if by a stroke of fate, today he serves as the Hayden Planetarium's Director.

Below, Tyson speaks about his upbringing in the Bronx and what drew him the study the universe.

Neil deGrasse Tyson - Called by the UniversethesciencefoundationFamed astronomer and science advocate Carl Sagan served as a mentor to Neil deGrasse Tyson. Now, Tyson is working on a sequel to Carl Sagan's lauded series "Cosmos: A Personal Voyage".Carl Sagan - Cosmos IntrothreedotsdeadTyson's visibility on the web has contributed to his becoming one of the country's foremost scientific advocates. His twitter account, which has nearly 1 million followers, is popular for its humorous approach to scientific topics.In 5-billion yrs the Sun will expand & engulf our orbit as the charred ember that was once Earth vaporizes. Have a nice day.Neil deGrasse TysonReddit played a major role in skyrocketing Tyson to stardom. He boasts three of the top ten all time most popular "Ask Me Anything" or "AMA" sessions on Reddit.

Below, Tyson under the moniker "neiltyson" responds to a question from Reddit poster "Bryan__":

[–]Bryan__ 1036 points 11 months ago Hi Neil, What policy changes would you like to see the Obama administration make right now to help promote science learning in American schools?reddit.com[–]neiltyson[S] 2407 points 11 months ago Fully funded mission to multiple destinations in space. Which reminds me: If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea..." - Antoine de Saint Exuperyreddit.comA cult of personality has developed around Tyson on the web. Followers have posted several popular memes, including the "reaction" meme, which is used to mock boastful statements on the internet.NDT MemeAJstreamTyson is a vocal advocate for increasing NASA's share of the federal budget. In March of 2012, he submitted testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in which he argued for doubling NASA's budget to one percent of the federal budget, or a penny for every tax dollar. The spending portfolio of the United States currently allocates fifty times as much money to social programs and education than it does to NASA. The 2008 bank bailout of $750 billion was greater than all the money NASA had received in its half-century history; two years’ U.S. military spending exceeds it as well. Right now, NASA’s annual budget is half a penny on your tax dollar. For twice that—a penny on a dollar—we can transform the country from a sullen, dispirited nation, weary of economic struggle, to one where it has reclaimed its 20th century birthright to dream of tomorrow.haydenplanetarium.orgHe has repeated his argument about NASA's budget in speeches around the country:Neil deGrasse Tyson - We Stopped Dreaming (Episode 1)Evan SchurrTyson's words inspired the Penny4NASA advocacy campaign, aimed at doubling NASA's annual budget. Netizens have been promoting the cause with the popular hashtag #penny4nasa:It matters what visions of the future we offer our children. Enable that future by contacting #Congress #Penny4NASA #NASA #Science #SpaceThaddeus KodadekShows how little exploring we've actually done: http://flip.it/qgdzb #Penny4NASA http://flip.it/6KoZD /via @Penny4NASA1Stephen Howard