The author is endlessly fascinated by the possibilities of intelligent life in the universe outside of us. He says we imagine aliens as evil conquerors, but that's not based on any actual data about their behavior. The value of a complete stranger to your culture can reveal so many things about you, he says.
Neil deGrasse Tyson—world-renowned astrophysicist, Emmy-nominated host, and author—is one of the most popular and influential figures in modern science. He joins to discuss his cosmic career and new book, “Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization.”