January 13, 2014. Host Neil DeGrasse Tyson (L) and Seth MacFarlane, executive producer of "Cosmos," participate in Fox Broadcasting Company's part of the Television Critics Association (TCA) Winter 2014 presentations in Pasadena, California. (Reuters)
Astrophysicist and television personality Neil deGrasse Tyson spent part of Christmas Day poking fun in a series of tweets, reports the New York Daily News.
"On this day long ago, a child was born who, by age 30, would transform the world," Tyson wrote Thursday. "Happy Birthday Isaac Newton b. Dec 25, 1642."
There are more than two billion Christians worldwide and some were annoyed with his joke, although it has been retweeted more than 56,000 times.
"Looking fwd to witty jabs during the spiritual days of Islam, Buddhism, Judaism etc. Or is it reserved for the easiest target?" wrote one Twitter user.
Some also claimed that Isaac Newton was actually born on January 4, 1643. However, during that era some countries used different calendars so Newton’s birthdate is up for debate.
Tyson’s teasing continued. He also tweeted, "Merry Christmas to all. A Pagan holiday (BC) becomes a Religious holiday (AD). Which then becomes a Shopping holiday (USA)."
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