On Wednesday, May 22nd, preeminent astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will hit the stage at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium. He's become a pop culture figure for his ability to excite people about science. Today we replay WMUK's Earlene McMichael's interview with him that originally aired on April 15th on the WestSouthwest news and public affairs show.
His presentation is entitled "Astronomy Bizarre." Neil deGrasse Tyson hosts two shows, "Cosmos" and "Star Talk." "Cosmos" was original hosted by the late Carl Sagan, who too became famous for his skill at making complex concepts understandable.
In the interview, Tyson expresses doubt that the U.S. will sent humans to Mars and again to the Moon anytime soon although funding is earmarked for it in NASA's 2020 budget. What will change that? Tyson says he's convinced it'll take outside "threats" from another country declaring its own plans to go to space to get America to act faster.
Tyson also discusses Carl Sagan, science and religion, global warming, his personal experiences with racism, and Fox Broadcasting and National Geographic temporarily halting his shows.
The companies have since resumed them after concluding an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Tyson.
Hear the extended interview here.
WestSouthwest news & public affairs show airs Mondays and Thursdays on WMUK 102.1 FM at 7:34 a.m., 9:34 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. You can subscribe to the WestSouthwest podcast through Apple iTunes and Google Music. There you can leave a rating and write a review.