Neil Tyson Speaks at First Comes the Dream

What inspires scientists and innovators? On July 19, First Comes the Dream, a celebration of New York City's emergence as a premier technology center, brought luminaries from science, technology, and media to the American Museum of Natural History to find out.

Co-hosted by the Museum with leading tech blog Gizmodo, the evening began in the Hayden Planetarium with remarks from Museum President Ellen Futter, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, and New York City Deputy Mayor Robert Steel before launching the awe-struck audience on a tour of the universe with the Museum's Director of Astrovisualization Carter Emmart.

Next, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Museum's Hayden Planetarium, sat down for an interview with iO9's Annalee Newitz in the Cullman Hall of the Universe. In this video, find out what sparked Dr. Tyson's interest in astronomy and what he thinks the future of space exploration might hold.

• Category

  Science & Technology

[AstronomyGuru84]

I wish more people would look up to scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson. 

[viator248]

Dr. Tyson is the only person who can say, "I tweeted..." and still be taken seriously.

[Disinf3ctant]

Running out of time?! One does not simply run out of time for Neil deGrasse Tyson.

[data1967]

Does anybody knows why there was a cut at 15:57 ?

[AstronomyGuru84]

I agree. When I said look up to him I didn't mean literally look up to him as though he's higher and better. I meant learn from him and be inspired by him.

[stevenvh17]

I agree, but my point is he gets my respect and appreciation for that. Looking up means he's above us, doesn't it? I don't see anybody above the rest of us. We all have our talents, however insignificant they may seem. If all people would show respect for everybody's qualities, the world would be a better place.

[TreyNitrotoluene]

He's tall. :D

[TheUndeadTech]

turn up the volume cant hear shit

[Sean Blake]

It enforces the great mans will and power upon the unsuspecting.

[27kdon]

Abolish all forms of division and we will realize our full potential.

[sfungiv]

all real great black men have great moustaches

[AstronomyGuru84]

You don't have to if you don't want to. But if you do look up to someone make sure it's someone worthwhile. In a society where a lot of people look up to reality TV stars we need people like Neil.