In 2024, renowned astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson entertained a sold-out crowd at the Pikes Peak Center with his unique take on movies and television shows, called “An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies,” highlighting how show creators get the science right — or, in some cases, hilariously wrong.

This week, Tyson returns to Colorado Springs with two shows: “The Search for Life in the Universe” on Thursday and “An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies — Part II” on Friday.

“Neil gave a talk and presentation here two years ago, and it did very well,” said Pikes Peak Center spokesman Jeff Lapsansky. “He’s obviously brilliant, but he can talk in a way that helps regular folks understand and share the excitement he has for these topics.”

Tyson has spent much of his career inviting others to share his excitement about the world as well as the vast reaches of space. His own love for the universe was spurred at age 9 when he first visited the Hayden Planetarium in New York City.

A graduate of Bronx High School of Science, Tyson earned a bachelor’s in physics from Harvard University before earning his doctorate from Columbia University. He has been the director of Hayden Planetarium — the place that first sparked his love for science — since 1996.

Tyson has also written more than 20 books. His latest, “Take Me to Your Leader: Perspectives on Your First Alien Encounter,” was published in May.

You don’t need a degree in science to enjoy Tyson’s presentations, Lapsansky said.

“He has this ability to take a complex topic, make it relatable, and even show us the humor in it,” he said. “We are excited to bring Neil DeGrasse Tyson back to the Springs.”

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Tickets start at $85 and are expected to sell out. To purchase tickets, visit pikespeakcenter.com.