Why is Astronomy so Popular?
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Free, Tickets Required
6:00 p.m. Special theater presentation in the Lockheed Martin Imax Theater: End of the World, with curator comments Discovery Stations in the Museum
7:00 p.m. Meet the Lecturer
7:30 p.m. Lecture
Well-known interpreter of astronomy and sky lore, David H. Levy, will discuss how and why astronomy captures the imaginations of so many people. Why do we find astronomy's imagery in literature, songs, and art? What prompts some people to stay up night after night, staring through telescopes at fuzzy patches of light? What is this fascination we have with the night sky?
Levy holds a BA from Acadia University, and an MA from Queen’s University. He is one of the most successful comet discoverers in history, having discovered 22, nine of them using his own backyard telescopes. Levy is currently involved with the Jarnac Comet Survey and is science editor for Parade magazine. He has authored or edited some 35 books, and won an Emmy for co-writing the Discovery Channel's documentary, "Three Minutes to Impact."
The Exploring Space Lectures are made possible by the generous support of NASA and Aerojet.
How to attend
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
6th St. and Independence Ave SW. Washington, DC 20560
We rely on the generous support of donors, sponsors, members, and other benefactors to share the history and impact of aviation and spaceflight, educate the public, and inspire future generations. With your help, we can continue to preserve and safeguard the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts representing the great achievements of flight and space exploration.