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HAMILTON —Shooting for the stars is a literal theme for Miami University and Miami University Hamilton students this year as astronomer and author Dr. Jeffrey Bennett travels to the campuses next week.

Bennett will deliver a free presentation open to the public on his book On the Cosmic Horizon: Top 10 Mysteries in Astronomy Today at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at Schwarm Hall at MUH.

Bennett's other book, Beyond UFOs: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Its Astonishing Implications for Our Future, was Miami's assigned summer reading for incoming freshman. Bennett also will serve as keynote speaker at convocation on Aug. 22 and touch on his book.

The alien-oriented read is a "mix of astronomy, physics, geology and biology," said Dr. Beverley Taylor, physics professor and event coordinator at Miami.

Bennett, author of several astronomy textbooks and children's books, also designed the scaled solar system display at the Smithsonian Institution, Taylor said.

Taylor suggested Bennett's book after using his textbook to teach her astronomy class. As a Middletown resident, she also arranged for Bennett to present in Hamilton.

"He's really concerned about interpreting science to the public," she said.

Bennett also will speak with several student groups and have dinner with the honor students while visiting Butler County.

Contact this reporter at bburks@coxohio.com.