Mayor Jim Kenney is honoring a Philadelphia astronomer with an out-of-this-world recognition Friday evening.
Franklin Institute chief astronomer Derrick Pitts has been declared as a "Philadelphia Hero" at the Franklin Institute for his contribution to educating and exposing children to the sciences.
Twelve students of the Boys & Girls Club's 2016 Young Writers Workshop also presented their newly published biography called "Derrick Pitts Astronomy Superstar."
"It's common for children to shy away from the sciences because they think [success] is unreachable," Pitts said. "The recognition is humbling, but I'm just a regular man who helps kids appreciate science and show them what their work and efforts can do -- in anything they do. This ceremony is about them."
Pitt has also devoted his time over the years demonstrating how science is a abstract and universal concept.
"Science is for everyone and everything," he said. "Most issues in today's age requires science: nutrition, space exploration, medicine, manufacturing. And you can't pick and choose who's going to be a great scientist because everyone has the potential."
Pitts said he was excited to receive his own biography written by the students.
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"Tonight is about them. I'll just be hanging around picking something up from the mayor -- a cookie, perhaps," he joked.
Pitts, a member of the Franklin Institute since 1978, said he'd give the student writers a tour through the "Jurassic World" exhibit following the ceremony.
