Dr. David Levy will present "Poetry of the Night: The Night Sky in the Time of William Shakespeare" on Monday, March 22, at San Jacinto College South campus. Levy is known for his discovery of 22 comets and published research on astronomy.

Famed astronomer Dr. David Levy to present lecture at San Jacinto College South

HOUSTON – One of the most successful comet discoverers, Dr. David Levy, will present "Poetry of the Night: The Night Sky in the Time of William Shakespeare" on Monday, March 22, at the San Jacinto College (SJC) South campus.

Levy has discovered 22 comets and works with the Jarnac Observatory in Vail, Ariz. He is an Emmy winner, having received the award in 1998 as part of a writing team for the Discovery Channel documentary "Three Minutes to Impact," and his work has been featured in 35 publications. Levy will describe the relationship between English literature and astronomy during his SJC presentation.

"There are many examples of our English literature in relation to the night sky," Levy said. "These writers in the past probably had a good knowledge of the sky and recorded what they saw." Levy also serves as the science editor for Parade magazine and contributing editor for Sky and Telescope magazine, where he writes the monthly "Star Trails" column. His "Nightfall" feature appears in each issue of the Canadian magazine Skynews.

As president of the National Sharing the Sky Foundation, he aims to inspire new generations to develop an inquiring interest in the sciences. He has given more than 1,000 lectures and has appeared on television programs like the "Today" show, "Good Morning America," the National Geographic special "Asteroids: Deadly Impact," and "World News Tonight."

"I think it's important that young people know that astronomy is more than just astronomy," Levy said. "It's about a lot of things. For example, we can find it in literature and music. Kids ask me 'how can I be an astronomer?' You need to read a lot, write a lot and conduct your research."

Bringing an astronomy expert, like Levy, to SJC students follows this year’s Lyceum Committee theme, “The Odyssey Continues.” Each year, the committee brings nationally renowned speakers to San Jacinto College to help facilitate the educational process and build awareness concerning social or global subject matters that interest or potentially would interest the College and the surrounding community.

"David’s love of literature and the stars has made him a good role model for our students," said committee chair Cristina Cárdenas. "His discoveries show us that even though you get your degree in one discipline you can still apply what you learned to enhance so many other aspects of your life. He is a good example of a renaissance man."

Levy will present "Poetry of the Night: The Night Sky in the Time of William Shakespeare" on Monday, March 22, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Marie Spence Flickinger Fine Arts Building, followed by a reception and book signing. He will speak to SJC and area high school students on Tuesday, March 23, before returning to Arizona. San Jacinto College South campus is located at 13735 Beamer Road in Houston.

San Jacinto College serves more than 27,000 students in over 140 degrees and certificates in university transfer and technical programs. The College also serves the community through workforce training. Students come with various goals and aspirations and we are committed to their success. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150 or visit www.sanjac.edu.