Upworthy exclusive: Neil deGrasse Tyson on the best way to make first contact with aliens

Neil deGrasse Tyson, left, and an illustration of a flying saucer.

Upworthy exclusive: Neil deGrasse Tyson on the best way to make first contact with aliens

Tyson shares why he finally wrote a book about aliens and how we should greet them if—or when!—they land on Earth.

By Tod Perry

Neil deGrasse Tyson—astrophysicist, director of the Hayden Planetarium, and host of the StarTalk podcast—is one of America’s most popular science communicators. He has worked tirelessly for more than four decades to improve scientific literacy and instill a greater sense of awe about the cosmos.

In his new book, Take Me to Your Leader, Tyson loosens his space tie a bit and has fun examining the possibility of aliens visiting Earth from scientific, historical, and pop-culture perspectives.

Upworthy spoke with Tyson about why he chose this moment to discuss aliens, how we should greet them if—or when!—they land, and how he hopes to broaden people’s perspectives through the alien narrative.

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She bought the perfect wedding dress that went viral on TikTok, for $3.75

Making a priceless memory.

She bought the perfect wedding dress that went viral on TikTok, for $3.75

Lynch is part of a growing crowd of newlyweds going against the regular wedding tradition of spending loads of money.

By Heather Wake

At first glance, one might think that Jillian Lynch wore a traditional (read: expensive) dress to her wedding. After all, it did look glamorous on her. But this bride has a secret superpower: thrifting.

Lynch posted her bargain hunt on TikTok, sharing that she had been perusing thrift shops in Ohio for four days in a row, with the actual ceremony being only a month away. Lynch then displays an elegant ivory-colored Camila Coelho dress that fits her perfectly and still brand new with the tags on it, no less.

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Ever heard of the real-life ‘Padman’? His story is even crazier than the film.

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A homeless man returns a pet dog’s stolen ashes to their owner. It’s changing his life.

Kathryn Michie and Chris Engdahl, left, and a flyer.

A homeless man returns a pet dog’s stolen ashes to their owner. It’s changing his life.

The dog’s remains were returned home as a man found his own.

By Erik Barnes

When Holly and Brandon Dunn’s car was broken into, the stolen items were ones they thought they’d never get back. The thief took a bag containing the ashes of their late chihuahua named Tia. The thief also took Tia’s ceramic paw prints and a memorial stuffed-animal replica of the beloved pup. Two weeks later, the items were found and returned. Now the Seattle community is chipping in to reward the hero with a fresh start.

Brandon explained to KING-TV that the couple was unable to have children, so Tia had been their furry kid throughout their 20-year relationship.

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North Carolina graduates blown away when commencement speaker pledges to pay off their senior-year debt

A happy graduate, left, and a commencement speaker.

North Carolina graduates blown away when commencement speaker pledges to pay off their senior-year debt

His reason why is beautiful.

By Heather Wake

In Raleigh, North Carolina, a college graduation turned into something students at North Carolina State University will likely talk about for the rest of their lives.

What began as a classic commencement ceremony for graduates of the Wilson College of Textiles ended with cheers, tears, and a surprise announcement that instantly changed the financial futures of hundreds of students.

As the grads gathered inside Reynolds Coliseum on May 8, commencement speaker Anil Kochhar shared that he and his wife, Marilyn, would pay off all final-year student loans for the graduating class.

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