Advertisement

Bill Nye, 68, Is Unrecognizable Rocking Bling and Streetwear in Solar Eclipse-Themed Photo Shoot

Nye did a cover shoot with 'Time Out New York' and the looks are out of this world

<p>Photograph: Sela Shiloni for TimeOut New York | Bill Nye was Time Out New York’s April cover star</p> Bill Nye for "Time Out New York"

Photograph: Sela Shiloni for TimeOut New York | Bill Nye was Time Out New York’s April cover star

Bill Nye for "Time Out New York"

Not even a total solar eclipse can overshadow Bill Nye’s epic makeover.

It isn't often we get to see the engineer and famed “Science Guy” in a look other than his lab coat, suits and bow tie of the day. But the rare cosmic event happening on April 8 — during which the moon passes between the sun and Earth, obscuring the sun and therefore blanketing areas in its path in darkness — seemed to be the right occasion for Nye, 68, to experiment with his style.

In a new photo shoot for Time Out New York, the science whiz is completely decked out in flashy items styled by Melissa Lynn Woodbury, making him look unrecognizable.

<p>Photograph: Sela Shiloni for TimeOut New York | Bill Nye was Time Out New York’s April cover star</p> Bill Nye for "Time Out New York"

Photograph: Sela Shiloni for TimeOut New York | Bill Nye was Time Out New York’s April cover star

Bill Nye for "Time Out New York"

In one photo, he wears a No Maintenance tracksuit with a bomber jacket and bling (yes, that’s a chain necklace). In another, he's dressed in a silver coat, by clothing brand Rough., and futuristic OXF shades, which creates a modern space age look.

He also wears a seriously cool red-orange jacket by Dingyun Zhang with cargo pants on the cover. Seeming to nod to the solar eclipse, Nye also proudly spotlights the planetary system on his Re/Done T-shirt, which is layered under a Versace vest that gives the outfit a chic edge.

All in all, the looks are so on trend that we were shocked to discover this wasn’t Nye’s Zoolander debut or a high-fashion campaign.

<p>Photograph: Sela Shiloni for TimeOut New York | Bill Nye was Time Out New York’s April cover star</p> Bill Nye for "Time Out New York"

Photograph: Sela Shiloni for TimeOut New York | Bill Nye was Time Out New York’s April cover star

Bill Nye for "Time Out New York"

Related: All About the Rare Total Solar Eclipse, Including Where It Occurs and How to See It

Aside from the fashion, Nye’s Time Out interview includes his take on the solar eclipse — and why it’s a can’t miss celestial encounter (the next time it’ll happen is in another 20 years).

“I really encourage everybody to take that day, that midday drive up the road. Get in the totality,” he told the outlet. “If you're not quite in the path, it’s not quite the same.”

The eclipse will start at Mexico’s Pacific coast, before entering the United States in Texas, where Nye will be stationed. From there, it will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine and then make its way to Canada.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

<p>Photograph: Sela Shiloni for TimeOut New York | Bill Nye was Time Out New York’s April cover star</p> Bill Nye for "Time Out New York"

Photograph: Sela Shiloni for TimeOut New York | Bill Nye was Time Out New York’s April cover star

Bill Nye for "Time Out New York"

Related: Bill Nye the Fashion Guy! Star Dances to Lizzo While Walking Runway at New York Fashion Week

For those who can’t travel to a primetime viewing post, Nye said it’s really the communal value that makes the moment so exciting. “It’s a so-called shared experience."

And while NASA and Nye advise watching the eclipse happen with eclipse glasses (which, unlike regular shades, are made for direct sun-watching), why not do it in style with a Bill Nye-branded pair for $6.50.

Though Nye’s transformation is shocking, this isn’t the first time he’s dipped a toe into fashion. In 2020, he made his runway debut at The Blue Jacket Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week. He jammed down the catwalk to Lizzo as he modeled a floral-patterned blazer. See the viral moment here!

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.