Arts and Entertainment

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

‘Superstar’ commentator will appear at Penn State’s Eisenhower Auditorium on Dec. 2

Neil deGrasse Tyson will make an appearance at Penn State at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in Eisenhower Auditorium for "An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies, Pt. 1" in which he will refute the claims of blockbuster Hollywood. Credit: Photo provided. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — 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.

Call 814-863-0255, or visit Neil deGrasse Tyson online for more information about 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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Last Updated November 6, 2025

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