ABOUT THIS BOOKA flash, a single streak of light, is what sparked David Levy’s passion for astronomy more than sixty years ago. In this delightful collection of essays, Levy shares not only his love for the sky and stars, but also his love for language and literature. With the voice of a poet and the eye of a skilled, albeit amateur, astronomer, Levy takes us on a glorious adventure as large as the universe.
Bringing together writing from across two decades of stargazing, Levy explores the different aspects of the night sky, from the simple star-studded vault that appears every clear night, to insight into how some amateur astronomers use advanced equipment to image details of the night sky. He writes about the James Webb Space Telescope and the Northern Lights, offering commentary on astronomical events and the profound questions they inspire. While there are books that describe how to observe the sky, this book explains why.
Star Gazers is a celebration of the joy and mystery found in the stars, with the author’s personal experiences serving as a continuous thread throughout. Whether you are a seasoned astronomer or a curious newcomer, Star Gazers will inspire you to look up and embrace the night sky with renewed passion and curiosity.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHYDavid H. Levy is a renowned amateur astronomer and author, best known for his discovery of twenty-three comets, including the famous Shoemaker–Levy 9. He has written more than three dozen books on astronomy, contributed to magazines such as Sky and Telescope and Parade, and appeared on television programs featured on the Discovery and Science channels, bringing his passion for the night sky to a wide audience.
REVIEWS"Reading David Levy’s Star Gazers is much like exploring a cabinet of curiosities with an experienced and lighthearted guide. This collection of essays introduces readers to quirky characters and odd astronomical concepts, all while conveying a childlike sense of wonder. Levy’s trademark mix of the scientific and the poetic will delight readers who want to rediscover their love of astronomy or kindle it for the first time."—Melissa Sevigny, author of Under Desert Skies: How Tucson Mapped the Way to the Moon and Planets
"David H. Levy once again offers an inspirational collection of articles and columns that will raise many a misty eye to the heavens. The poetry selections and the personal anecdotes are heart-warming and profound."—Peter Jedicke, author of Seti: The Search for Alien Intelligence
"David Levy is the Amateur Astronomer’s Amateur Astronomer. Best known as a comet hunter and astronomy writer, his sixty-plus years under the sky gives him a unique vantage on the universe and life. This is a wonderful collection of his columns giving us great insight into the passion and determination of a great Sky Gazer."—David B. Rossetter, Astronomer
"One word sums up this marvelous book: Love. Love of the night sky and love of people and places. This is a joy to read."—Tim B. Hunter, author of The Sky at Night: Easy Enjoyment from Your Backyard
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