He sent shockwaves through schoolrooms everywhere, and throughout the world, when he, as Frederick P. Rose director of the Hayden Planetarium Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, spearheaded debate on Pluto's questionable status as a major planet in our galaxy.

Promoting that beloved Pluto should no longer be classified as a planet has landed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson in the headlines of several major publications, including The New York Times and Time Magazine, and on television programs such as The Colbert Report and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Now, the engaging scientist and author continues to raise public appreciation of science and the cosmos as he visits the University of Nevada, Reno campus to present, "The World as Seen Through the Lens of a Scientist," in which he will focus on how knowledge of math, biology, chemistry and physics can transform the way you live, work and play.

Tyson will present and answer questions 7 to 8:30 p.m., Feb. 3 in the Davidson Mathematics and Science Center Redfield Auditorium. Immediately following, there will be a reception and book-signing, with his latest two books available.

He has written several books including The New York Times bestseller, The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet and Death By Black Hole and Other Cosmic Quandaries. Visit his website, and watch his humorous discussion of the Pluto controversy on The Daily Show. The Feb. 3 lecture is part of the University of Nevada, Reno College of Science Discover Science 2010-2011 Lecture Series. For more information, call (775) 784-4591.

The public is invited to enjoy Tyson's humor and wit as he brings the study of science into mainstream America. Free parking is available in the three lots designated as "Silver 12" off Evans Avenue at Ninth Street.