Neil deGrasse Tyson ‘Goes to the Movies’ to point out Hollywood’s science gaffes Dec. 2

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025)—The man who delights in discussions on topics ranging from art, to atheism and religion, to politics and to aliens will take on Hollywood’s treatment of fact-based science in his next visit to Penn State.

In “An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies—Pt. 1,” Neil deGrasse Tyson will break down Hollywood’s use of complex scientific theories to simple truths at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

Tickets are $60.75, $80.75 and $100.75 and are available to buy online. Avoid the $4 fee by purchasing over the phone at 814-863-0255 or in person, weekdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Visit Neil deGrasse Tyson online for more information about an American Sign Language interpretation offer, a premium VIP ticket package and to make a purchase.
 

A superstar’s science-based perspective of Hollywood

DeGrasse Tyson is a superstar when it comes to explaining academic concepts in a way that makes you want to listen. In “An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies—Pt. 1,” he focuses his sights on film blockbusters including “Star Wars,” “Frozen,” “Armageddon,” “Titanic” and “The Martian” for an enlightening review from a science-based perspective. The program will cover concepts that our favorite movies got wrong, as well as some of the stuff the filmmakers got right.

In an April interview with MLive.com, deGrasse Tyson said using pop culture to help explain complex thoughts is a way he prefers to relate any of Hollywood’s violations to the laws of physics.

“I find when you present science in that mixture, people come back for more,” he said. “Pop culture makes it relevant; the humor makes them smile, and the science enlightens them.”
 

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION

American Sign Language interpretation is offered for this performance. Contact the Arts Ticket Center via email or by phone at 814-863-2727, ext. 3, by Tuesday, Nov. 18, to discuss ASL seating preferences.
 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ASL support provided by
Shih-In Ma

Accessibility services supported by
Sidney and Helen S. Friedman Endowment
 

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