7. Neil deGrasse Tyson (1958 – present)
Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist and author who made science famous with his books. He was the youngest director of the American Museum of Natural History, Hayden Planetarium at age 38 in 1995.
Tyson found his interest in astronomy at a very young age as he studied the moon through his binoculars from the roof of his apartment building.
His books and show, ‘Cosmos,’ brought inspiration to a lot of audiences, causing them to value science. Through his work with NASA, he declared that Pluto should not be considered the ninth planet of the Earth’s solar system, calling it “a dwarf planet.”
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He received the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal as well as many Emmys for his appearance on TV as a science communicator, and others for his books.
