Franklin Institute Astronomer Derrick Pitts Loves Making Science Accessible

By Tammie Souza, CBS Philadelphia

February 22, 2023

You could say Derrick Pitts is out of this world. The local astronomer and Philadelphia native has become a national treasure by reaching for the stars. He's had an amazing journey to the top of his profession, has broken down barriers and opened up opportunities for thousands of young people nationwide.

From infinity to beyond is the best way to describe Pitts, the chief astronomer and planetarium director for the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Pitts is not only the first African American to hold these dual titles at a major science institution in the United States, but he is also the first American to set this benchmark.

Even more impressive may be his signature enthusiasm and commitment to all things space and science.

NASA asked Derrick Pitts, the Franklin Institute's chief astronomer and planetarium director, to design these uniform patches/CBS News Philadelphia

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