Neil deGrasse Tyson Headlines Fundraiser

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

NOVA scienceNOW host speaks at benefit for OSU Libraries

(September 29, 2009   Stillwater, Okla.) – 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 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 will include a welcome reception and dinner. After dinner, Tyson will speak and take questions from the audience. A signing reception will follow, and selections of Tyson’s work will be available for purchase.

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. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Call 405-744-7901 or visit http://www.library.okstate.edu/friends to make reservations.