Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator who has made discoveries in cosmology, stellar evolution, and galactic astronomy. His research interests include dwarf galaxies, exploding stars, star formation, and the Milky Way’s structure. Tyson has played a significant role in popularizing astrophysical discoveries and concepts, similar to his friend Carl Sagan.
The Durham Performing Arts Center opened November 30, 2008 as the largest performing arts center in the Carolinas at a cost of $48 million. The DPAC hosts over 200 performances a year including touring Broadway productions, high-profile concert and comedy events, family shows and the American Dance Festival.