Starry Night: Astronomers and Poets Read the Sky

by David H. Levy

Over the centuries the starry night sky has inspired poets and scientists alike, and though the fruits of these inspirations take very different forms, they often enrich each other. Acclaimed science writer David Levy, the codiscoverer of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, has written this wonderful jewel of a book to celebrate the complementary visions of human wonder and curiosity that are expressed in the separate disciplines of poetry and astronomy. Levy, known for his infectious enthusiasm, traces the works of the greatest poets-Shakespeare, Milton, Keats, Shelley, and others-to show how they were influenced not only by the beauty of the heavens but by their times, celestial events, and moreover by the discoveries of such great scientists as Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton. How strong is the connection between literature and science? Levy says, "To think that science and poetry are two disciplines that are properly divorced from each other is to lose sight of what each is about and what their common goal is. In their highest forms, both are avenues of inquiry into the human condition and its relationship to the Universe. Knowing what that Universe is and how it is structured is fundamental to each." The book culminates with Levy's eloquent reflections on the spectacular crash into the planet Jupiter of the comet he "It was the most conspicuous marking ever seen on another planet. By the end of impact week, Jupiter lay bombarded with these dark clouds, markings that remained visible for almost a year. Thou too, O Comet beautiful and fierce, Who drew the heart of this frail Universe Towards thine own; till, wrecked in that convulsion, Alternating attraction and repulsion, Thine went astray and that was rent in twain; Oh, float into our azure heaven again! - Percy Bysshe Shelley, Epipsychidion, 1821"

Genres: Poetry, Astronomy, Nonfiction, Science

210 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

About the author

David Levy is a prominent astronomer and author, most famous for his co-discovery in 1993 of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, which collided with the planet Jupiter in 1994.

Levy was born in Canada, but now lives in Arizona. He has been involved with astronomy, as an observer, promoter, and author, for his entire adult life. Levy has discovered twenty two comets, given innumerable lectures, television appearances, and published articles in the major science and astronomy magazines.

He gained a Phd in English literature in 2010. There is an asteroid named in his honour, Levy 3673. He is married to Wendee Levy.

Reviews

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not the best thing I’ve ever read, but it definitely had some interesting stuff. Mostly it’s about how the night sky and astronomy inspired poets through the decades. And not just the wonder and awe and majesty of the night sky but actual astronomical science. So he goes through some of the history of astronomy, different discoveries, and how our knowledge of it has changed and grown through the years within the aspect of how all that influenced poets.

Honestly, I thought I’d like this book a lot more than I did. It didn’t work super well for me as far as the topic went. He did a lot of his own historical interpreting, which is normal and totally fine. But I felt like he cherry picked a lot, emphasizing certain things and ignoring others. This is the Levy of Shoemaker-Levy 9 fame. So getting to read about that comet and everything that happened from his perspective was certainly the highlight of the book for me.

[Preeti · Rating 5 out of 5]

David H. Levy’s Starry Night: Astronomers and Poets Read the Sky gracefully bridges science and art, showing how the night sky has inspired poets, astronomers and star gazers for centuries. Drawing on his own experiences as an astronomer, Levy explores how celestial events have sparked the imagination of writers like Shakespeare, Milton, Keats, and Shelley. He emphasizes that science and poetry with reference to this context, share a common quest: “to understand the human condition and its relationship to the Universe.”

A recurring theme in Levy’s book is serendipity; the pleasant discoveries that arise with alignment and connection with the cosmos. Through thoughtful references of historical context, poetry, and vivid astronomical insights, Levy demonstrates how both disciplines thrive on those unplanned moments of wonder. The book serves as both a practical guide and a poetic companion for anyone who wishes to explore the stars with curiosity and an open heart. Ultimately, Levy’s work is a luminous invitation to appreciate the sky’s mysteries through the intertwined lenses of observation, verse, and the serendipitous joys that enrich our journey of discovery!