Phil Plait Biography

Dr. Phil Plait, widely known as “The Bad Astronomer,” is an astronomer, author, and science communicator dedicated to making astronomy accessible and engaging for audiences of all backgrounds. He earned his undergraduate degree in astronomy from the University of Michigan and his doctorate from the University of Virginia, where his research focused on supernova 1987A.

Plait spent nearly a decade working with data from the Hubble Space Telescope and supporting NASA astronomical research before turning his attention to public science education. He gained a broad following through his Bad Astronomy blog, which debunks scientific misconceptions, challenges misinformation, and explores the wonders of the universe with clarity and humor.

A prolific author, Plait has written several books, including "Bad Astronomy," "Death from the Skies!,' and 'Under Alien Skies: A Sightseer’s Guide to the Universe.' He also hosted "Crash Course Astronomy," a 46-episode educational series, and served as head science writer for Netflix’s "Bill Nye Saves the World." His work has made him a prominent advocate for scientific literacy, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning.

Plait currently writes The Universe column for Scientific American, covering discoveries, astronomical phenomena, and the latest developments in space science, and the Bad Astronomy Newsletter.

BOOK Phil Plait

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/13/2026.

Phil Plait Speaking Topics

  • “Death from the Skies!”

    Asteroids, comets, and impacts, oh my! The Earth sits in a cosmic shooting gallery: Over a million asteroids bigger than 100 meters in size cross Earth’s orbit, posing a potential threat. What can we do about them? Astronomer and author Dr. Phil Plait will discuss the problem of impacts, how we can find these rocks, how we can stop them from hitting us, and – because he can’t help himself – debunk a few misconceptions about asteroids, too.

Phil Plait Videos

Phil Plait - TED

Phil Plait - TED

The secret to scientific discoveries? Making mistakes

Dr. Phil Plait - "The David Pakman Show"

Dr. Phil Plait - "The David Pakman Show"

Dr. Phil Plait joins David to discuss astrology, and why it is patently bogus pseudoscience

Dr. Phil Plait - Liberty Science Center

Dr. Phil Plait - Liberty Science Center

Sightseeing in Space

  • How do I book Phil Plait to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Phil Plait

    Speaking fees for Phil Plait, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Phil Plait are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Phil Plait, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Phil Plait speak about?

  • Where does Phil Plait travel from?

    Phil Plait generally travels from Virginia, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Phil Plait is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as “Death from the Skies!”. The estimated speaking fee range to book Phil Plait for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Phil Plait generally travels from VA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Mitch Resnick, Michael Stevens, Anil Ananthaswamy, Marla Spivak and Ramsey Musallam. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Phil Plait for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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