David B. Levy

David B. Levy. David B. Levy is an American astronomer renowned for his extensive contributions to the discovery of comets and minor planets. His prolific observational career, often conducted from his private Jarnac Observatory, has led to the co-discovery of several notable comets, including the celebrated Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 whose collision with Jupiter was a landmark event in planetary science. A passionate science communicator, Levy has also authored numerous books and served as a prominent editor for Sky & Telescope magazine, inspiring both amateur and professional astronomers.

Early life and education

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Levy developed an early fascination with the night sky. He pursued his undergraduate studies in astronomy and English literature at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. His academic journey continued at the University of Arizona, where he earned a master's degree, deepening his knowledge in planetary sciences. Levy later completed a doctorate in English literature from the University of California, Berkeley, uniquely blending his scientific and humanistic interests, which would later inform his prolific writing career.

Career

Levy's observational career is deeply connected to his long-time collaboration with the renowned planetary scientist Eugene Merle Shoemaker and his wife Carolyn S. Shoemaker at the Palomar Observatory in California. He has been a dedicated observer at his own Jarnac Observatory, located initially in Vail, Arizona and later relocated to Tucson, Arizona. Professionally, Levy served as the editor of the "Stars and Planets" section for Sky & Telescope magazine for many years. He has also been involved with major survey projects, contributing observations to the Catalina Sky Survey and the Mount Lemmon Survey, which are critical programs for detecting near-Earth objects.

Research and contributions

Levy's most famous contribution is the co-discovery, with the Shoemaker team, of Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 in 1993. This fragmented comet's subsequent impact with Jupiter in July 1994 provided the first direct observation of an extraterrestrial collision, studied globally by instruments like the Hubble Space Telescope and the Galileo (spacecraft). Independently and through collaborations, he has discovered or co-discovered over two dozen comets, including Comet 118P/Shoemaker–Levy and Comet 130P/McNaught–Hughes. His research extends to the discovery of numerous asteroids, such as the Amor asteroid 5261 Eureka. Levy has also been a significant figure in variable star observation, contributing long-term data to the American Association of Variable Star Observers.

Awards and honors

In recognition of his discoveries, Levy was awarded the Astronomical Society of the Pacific's Amateur Achievement Award. The prestigious American Astronomical Society presented him with the Harold Masursky Award for his meritorious service to planetary science. An asteroid, 3673 Levy, was named in his honor by the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center. Furthermore, his work in science communication earned him the Los Angeles Astronomical Society's Glenn T. Seaborg Award for significant contributions to public science understanding.

Personal life

Residing in Tucson, Arizona, Levy remains an active observer and writer. He is married to Wendy Levy, an artist, and together they have collaborated on projects blending art and science. A skilled musician, he has performed with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and other ensembles. Levy is also a dedicated educator, frequently giving lectures at institutions like the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory and serving as a guest speaker for organizations such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Planetary Society. Category:American astronomers Category:Comet discoverers Category:American science writers