Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson to speak at UF April 3

March 18, 2013

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — ACCENT Speakers Bureau at the University of Florida will bring astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson to campus April 3.

Nationally known for his books and research on star formation and exploration, dwarf galaxies and the structure of the Milky Way, Tyson, who hosted “NOVA ScienceNow” on PBS from 2006 to 2011, has also been recognized as an outstanding science communicator.

President George W. Bush appointed Tyson to two commissions, the first in 2001 to study the future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry and again in 2004 to explore the Implementation of the United States Space Exploration Policy.

Given his academic success, Tyson has received 18 honorary doctorate degrees and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given by NASA to non-government citizens. Tyson earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Harvard and his astrophysics doctorate degree from Columbia.

Tyson will be telling UF students about his experiences throughout his career and sharing his love for science.

The program starts at 8 p.m. at the Phillips Center for Performing Arts and will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Doors open at 7 p.m., and admission is free and open to the public.

Students may pick up tickets with a Gator 1 card (maximum 2 per person) at the Phillips Center Box Office beginning at noon on April 2. If there are any tickets remaining, they will be distributed to the general public beginning at 7 p.m. on April 3, prior to the performance (max 2 per person). Ticket availability for the general public will be VERY limited.

Please regularly check ACCENT’s Facebook page and Twitter feed for updates regarding ticket availability. Photography will not be allowed during the program, but press may record and photograph during the first five minutes of the remarks.