Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who is perhaps the world’s most famous scientist currently, will give the keynote address at Lehigh University’s commencement ceremonies on May 20, 2013. Tyson also will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the university in Bethlehem, Pa.

Tyson is the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, N.Y., and has achieved rock-star status among science fans by authoring more than ten wildly popular books, hosting NOVA ScienceNOW on PBS television from 2006-2011, and appearing regularly on national television programs.



Tyson’s popularity has penetrated popular culture, as he appears in a 2012 issue of the Superman comic book. In that issue, Tyson helps Superman witnesses the destruction of Krypton, his home planet.

Tyson is working currently on a remake of Carl Sagan’s landmark television series COSMOS that will be shown in 13 episodes on the FOX network in the spring of 2014.