The most astounding fact about the universe

American astrophysicist, science communicator and author Neil deGrasse Tyson shared his "genuine passion and child-like fascination" with the universe when he responded to a Time magazine reader's question in 2008:

"What is the most astounding fact you can share with us about the Universe?" he was asked.

"Never at a loss for words, the famed scientist gave his equally astounding answer," Universe Today's Jason Major writes.

Tyson eloquently responded:

"When I look up at the night sky, and I know that, yes, we are part of this universe, we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts is that the universe is in us. When I reflect on that fact, I look up — many people feel small, 'cause they're small and the universe is big, but I feel big, because my atoms came from those stars."

That three-year old answer went viral this week, thanks to a short video set to music by Max Schlickenmeyer.

Listen to Tyson's most astounding fact below.