Neil deGrasse Tyson: Earth Is Bad for Life August 17, 2011

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Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2008/02/19/Neil_DeGrasse_Tyson_Death_by_Black_Hole

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson argues Earth is not as an ideal environment for the existence of life as most people commonly think. "99 percent of all species that ever lived are now extinct," says Tyson. "That is not the signature of a planet that is in love with life."

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Neil DeGrasse Tyson discusses Death by Black Hole. This program was recorded in collaboration with City Arts and Lectures, on February 19, 2008.

Neil deGrasse Tyson was born and raised in New York City where he was educated in the public schools clear through his graduation from the Bronx High School of Science. Tyson went on to earn his BA in Physics from Harvard and his PhD in Astrophysics from Columbia. Tyson's professional research interests are broad, but include star formation, exploding stars, dwarf galaxies, and the structure of our Milky Way.

In addition to dozens of professional publications, Dr. Tyson has written, and continues to write for the public. Tyson's latest two books are the playful and informative Death By Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries, which was a New York Times bestseller, and The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet, chronicling his experience at the center of the controversy over Pluto's planetary status. The PBS/NOVA documentary "The Pluto Files", based on the book, premiered in March 2010.

Tyson is the recipient of twelve honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given by NASA to a non-government citizen. His contributions to the public appreciation of the cosmos have been recognized by the International Astronomical Union in their official naming of asteroid 13123 Tyson. On the lighter side, Tyson was voted Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive by People Magazine in 2000.

Tyson is the first occupant of the Frederick P. Rose Directorship of the Hayden Planetarium. Tyson lives in New York City with his wife and two children.