Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson said he has wanted to be abducted by aliens since he was a child.
This admission from a prominent science communicator highlights the intersection of rigorous scientific inquiry and the human fascination with the unknown. While Tyson often promotes evidence-based astronomy, his personal curiosity regarding first contact reflects a broader cultural obsession with extraterrestrial life.
Tyson shared these thoughts during a series of promotional interviews for his book, "Take Me to Your Leader," including a segment in the MS NOW green room [1]. The interviews occurred on May 12, 2026 [1].
During the discussions, Tyson described a lifelong interest in the experience of being taken by otherworldly beings. "I’ve always wanted to be abducted by aliens," Tyson said [2]. He explained that this desire is not a recent development, noting, "Since I was a kid I’ve had this fantasy of being taken by extraterrestrials" [3].
The astrophysicist expressed a willingness to undergo the experience if the opportunity ever presented itself. "If I ever get the chance, I’d love to see what an alien abduction feels like," Tyson said [4].
Tyson's comments come as he continues to explore themes of first contact and the protocols for greeting extraterrestrial visitors in his latest literary work. His openness about these fantasies contrasts with the typically skeptical approach scientists take toward abduction reports, though he frames his interest as a desire for personal experience rather than a claim of prior contact.
“"I’ve always wanted to be abducted by aliens."”
Tyson's comments distinguish between the scientific lack of evidence for alien abductions and the intellectual curiosity regarding the possibility of such an event. By framing the desire as a 'fantasy,' he maintains his scientific credibility while engaging with the speculative nature of his new book, bridging the gap between academic astrophysics and popular science fiction.
