There is a rumor floating around that astronomy rock star Neil deGrasse Tyson might become the new head of NASA. Tyson even confirmed the rumor himself on Friday, telling me: “Yes, there is a rumor…” but going no further, no confirming or denying it.
I’m of two minds about this. Tyson is probably the most talented, fun and communicative planetary personality since Carl Sagan. I’d even go further and say he’s a notch above Sagan because Tyson is approachable and eager to interact with you.
Which is why I’m supposing that the rumor is true, i.e. he probably is being considered for the job by the Obama admin. It seems to fit a pattern of this new White House: for the jobs where being in the public eye will matter most, find the most visible and proactive professionals, tops in their careers and most importantly: the best communicators.
As NASA chief, Tyson would have a huge stage and spotlight to work with. And believe me, he excels on the stage; I’ve shared it with him. He gets and holds your attention. You will hear his message, understand it…and enjoy it.
On the other hand, Tyson has his fingers in many pies: he has an ongoing PBS TV series, he’s the head of the Hayden Planetarium, he lectures, writes, researches and makes numerous personal appearances. (Science Friday – just to name one.) He’s kept very busy just answering why he demoted Pluto from the rank of “planet” in our solar system. As NASA’s chief, he’d have headaches he never had before, like being in charge of 9 NASA sites. Oy! He’d probably have to cut back on his schedule and be less spontaneous, one of his great endearing qualities. And spend less time in his native New York, where we all love to see him.
So we’ll wait and see if the rumor is true; if he takes the job if offered. As I say I’m of two minds. He’s such a great talent that I’d hate to lock him up into one of those bureauocratic jobs in DC. On the other hand if you wanted to elevate the stature of NASA there is no better or more effective spokesperson on the planet.
In a way it’s sort of like the Sanja Gupta deal: should he stay where he is at CNN, a doctor superstar or should he take a post as Surgeon General in the Obama administration. Gupta’s appointment, though, may be a bit more difficult for the administration to swallow following this “Penis Pyramid” segment on the Colbert Report. Could this be why it’s not a done deal yet?
As for Tyson, if you are asked, I say: “Don’t do it!” Stay where we can call you on the phone and ask for an immediate interview, and you’ll grant it. Stay here in the Big Apple where we can bump into you, literally, on the streets. Let someone else sweat the budgets. I know. How do you turn down the service of your country when called. But consider the alternative: You might have a bigger impact on space policy being outside the box than in it.
I think Mr. Tyson is perhaps the only person who can rehabilitate NASA in the world view. NASA needs to be inspiring the planet, not just the country, to be looking “out there.”
I firmly believe that the best way to bring us together as a global species is to get off of the globe. It seems pie in the sky but it can happen with the people, who dare I say, “have the right stuff.”
I would love to see a director like Tyson who is a great communicator and understands NASA’s *science* mission. Someone who knows that some of NASA’s greatest strengths are not just putting people in space, but the agency’s earth science, planetary, helio, and astrophysics programs. A well-funded and structured NASA can do amazing work helping us understand the nature of our universe and the plight of our planet.
I’m a linguistics professor. The science of language is my area. I’m afraid everyone missed a pretty easy bet. As Dr. Tyson claimed on today’s show, no doubt correctly, it was Pluto’s name and emotional tie to Mickey Mouse’s dog that caused the angst when Pluto lost planet status. My solution, which would have killed two linguistic birds with one stone: declare that from here on, Pluto would be the new name of…Uranus. Everyone’s afraid to pronounce Uranus as it is. QED. LOL.
I agree with Ira. Keep Dr. Tyson where he is. His personality and ability to make science accessible to the “common” person is what will drive this country forward (technologically speaking).
Gone are the days when NASA had a monopoly on space exploration. Backyard mechanics and garage tinkerers are going to herald the new age in space technology. The X Prize was only the beginning and we need people just like Dr. Tyson to inspire all those young minds that stare out their windows every night before bed wondering “What if…”