Tyson’s “Science Check” on the Hit Space Film

• Neil deGrasse Tyson – The renowned public scientist, often consulted by filmmakers for credibility, was not officially hired as a consultant.
• Directors Phil Lord & Chris Miller – They confirmed Tyson’s lack of formal involvement but noted his presence at the premiere and after‑party, which reassured them.
• The “Tyson Test” – Miller proudly declared the movie passed this test, suggesting realistic science.
• Tyson’s Critiques – He has publicly criticized prior films for unrealistic space actions, such as blasting an asteroid with a nuclear bomb. Instead, he argues the simplest way to alter an asteroid’s path is by giving it a tiny early push.
• Asteroid Physics – In space, without friction, even a one‑centimeter‑per‑second shift can keep an object drifting away from Earth.
• Ryan Gosling’s Anecdote – The actor shared how author Andy Weir was inspired to write accurate science after noticing mismatched constellations in a fictional scene.
• Other Experts – Brian Cox, author of popular science books on planets and black holes, was invited to discuss the film’s technical aspects.

The filmmakers claim their story balances adventure with realistic physics and welcome expert input to keep the narrative believable.