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David Levy

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description David Levy Overview

David Levy is a Canadian amateur astronomer and science writer best known for co-discovering Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 alongside Eugene and Carolyn Shoemaker in 1993. The comet's collision with Jupiter in July 1994 marked the first time astronomers directly observed a major impact between Solar System bodies. Levy has discovered or co-discovered more than twenty comets and has authored numerous books on observational astronomy. He remains active in comet hunting and public astronomy education.

help David Levy FAQ

What comet did David Levy co-discover?

David Levy co-discovered Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 in 1993 alongside Eugene and Carolyn Shoemaker. The comet collided with Jupiter in July 1994, marking the first time astronomers directly observed a major celestial impact event between two bodies in the solar system.

How many comets has David Levy discovered?

David Levy has discovered or co-discovered more than 20 comets throughout his career as an amateur astronomer. His collaborative work with the Shoemakers at the Palomar Observatory in California was particularly productive, making him one of the most successful individual comet discoverers.

Is David Levy a professional or amateur astronomer?

David Levy is formally classified as an amateur astronomer, though his contributions rival those of many professionals. He has published numerous scientific papers, written dozens of books on astronomy, and his discoveries have earned him widespread recognition in the scientific community.

What happened when Shoemaker-Levy 9 hit Jupiter?

Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 broke into multiple fragments that struck Jupiter over several days in July 1994. The impacts created enormous dark scars on Jupiter's atmosphere that were visible through telescopes on Earth, providing the first direct evidence of a major collision between two solar system bodies.