Famous astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will be speaking on the universe as he visits UCA to lecture Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Tyson is currently the Director of the Hayden Planetarium and a research associate at the American Museum of Natural History. He has also explored science in the hit PBS show, “NOVA ScienceNOW,” providing a look into the universe. He was on the show from 2006-2011.

Tyson has had an asteroid named after him, was called one of “The 100 Most Influential People in the World” by Time Magazine, and selected as one of the “50 Best Brains in Science” by Discover Magazine. Tyson was also one of the scientists involved in removing Pluto‘s title as a planet.

Tyson said he might be the only person to receive “hate mail in crayon for killing Pluto.”

Tickets for Tyson’s lecture, “The Search for Life in the Universe,” sold out after a mere 45 minutes.

“Everyone is really excited about this lecture,” UCA Public Appearances Director Amanda Horton said. “This lecture is the most attended for students this year.”

Horton said that since the lecture sold out so quickly, the university will have two simulcast screenings in Lewis Science Center and the College of Business building. These two simulcasts sold out within three weeks.

Tyson’s lecture will last 60 minutes, with a 30-minute Q&A session to follow. After the Q&A, a one-hour book signing will be held.

Tyson’s publicist, Jodi Solomon, said audiences have shown deep appreciation for his wide variety of unscripted responses during the Q&A session.

“His answers, even to simple questions, are informative and entertaining in ways that benefit the entire audience, not just the one who asked the question,” Solomon said.

Although the show is sold-out, tickets may become available the day of the event. Any turn-back tickets would be available an hour before the lecture. Tickets for the event would be free for students and $5-$15 for the public.

For more information, contact Horton at 501-450-3682.