Neil deGrasse Tyson: curiosity about science is 'an ember that must be fanned'

On the eve of his Australian live shows, the renowned astrophysicist and Star Talk podcast host says he wants to empower audiences to think for themselves

Dr Neil DeGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist and director of New York's Hayden planetarium, researches some of the most complex areas of the cosmos. Star formation, dwarf galaxies, and the structure of the Milky Way are just some of the areas of his work.

That he can talk about these dense topics on stages in sold-out venues normally reserved for philharmonic orchestras or Broadway musicals is thanks to his ability to communicate science in a compelling and relatable way.