DeGrasse, the director of the Hayden Planetarium, brought the world total of black astrophysicists to seven when he earned his PhD in astrophysics from Columbia University in 1991. He recalls his youth in the Bronx and the pivotal experiences and mentors who inspired him to study astronomy, reflecting on science literacy, racial stereotypes, and what science can and cannot say about the existence of God. B&w personal photos are included. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)