Time magazine called him “the Carl Sagan of the 21st century,” but most know Neil deGrasse Tyson from his PBS program NOVA scienceNOW and his appearances on popular news programs. Tyson, arguably the most famous astrophysicist today, is the keynote speaker for the 2009 H. Louise & H.E. “Ed” Cobb Speaker Series on November 6.
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, is the author of nine books. His most recent work, The Pluto Files: the rise and fall of America's favorite planet, takes the reader from Pluto’s 1930 discovery to the emotional reaction worldwide to its demotion from planetary status.
Tyson said of Pluto, "I had to think long and hard about why it had such a grip on the American body and soul. And after sifting through all kinds of possible arguments, I landed on one very simple one: There's a dog that shares the name. I'm blaming Disney completely — Mickey's dog, Pluto."
The November 6 Cobb Speaker Series includes a welcome reception and dinner. After dinner, Tyson will speak and take questions from the audience. A signing reception follows. Golden Circle Sponsors of the event, as well as those donating to the Library at a certain level, will be invited to an exclusive pre-event with Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Seating is limited and reservations must be made by October 28. Individual tickets are $100, and half the cost is a tax-deductible gift to the Friends of the OSU Library. Call 405-744-7901 or visit www.library.okstate.edu/friends to make reservations.
Event Details
6 pm Welcome Reception: Reservations will be held at the door, guests may check-in at the reception table.
6:30 pm Dinner & Program: Tyson will present the after-dinner program and take questions from the audience.
8:30 pm Booksigning Reception: Selections of Tyson's work will be available for purchase. Guests are welcome to bring personal copies to be signed.
Dress is business attire. Guests can park in the Student Union Parking Garage off University Avenue.
From the Publisher:
The New York Times best-selling author chronicles America's irrational love affair with Pluto, man's best celestial friend.
In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted Pluto out of planethood. Far from the sun, tiny, and eccentric in orbit, it's a wonder Pluto has any fans. Yet during the mounting debate over Pluto's status, Americans rallied behind the extraterrestrial underdog. The year of Pluto's discovery, Disney created an irresistible pup by the same name, and, as one NASA scientist put it, Pluto was "discovered by an American for America." Pluto is entrenched in our cultural, patriotic view of the cosmos, and Neil deGrasse Tyson is on a quest to discover why.
Only Tyson can tell this story: he was involved in the first exhibits to demote Pluto, and, consequently, Pluto lovers have freely shared their opinions with him, including endless hate mail from third graders. In his typically witty way, Tyson explores the history of planet classification and America's obsession with the "planet" that's recently been judged a dwarf.
Death by Black Hole
From the Publisher:
A vibrant collection of essays on the cosmos from the nation's best-known astrophysicist.
Loyal readers of the monthly "Universe" essays in Natural History magazine have long recognized Neil deGrasse Tyson's talent for guiding them through the mysteries of the cosmos with stunning clarity and almost childlike enthusiasm. Here, Tyson compiles his favorite essays across a myriad of cosmic topics. The title essay introduces readers to the physics of black holes by explaining the gory details of what would happen to your body if you fell into one. "Holy Wars" examines the needless friction between science and religion in the context of historical conflicts. "The Search for Life in the Universe" explores astral life from the frontiers of astrobiology. And "Hollywood Nights" assails the movie industry's feeble efforts to get its night skies right. Known for his ability to blend content, accessibility, and humor, Tyson is a natural teacher who simplifies some of the most complex concepts in astrophysics while simultaneously sharing his infectious excitement about our universe.
