An asteroid has been named after Israel’s Hebrew University.

The International Astronomical Union named the asteroid ‘Hebrewu’ in honour of the Jerusalem-based university after it was discovered by graduate Canadian astronomer David Levy.

Hebrewu is located on the asteroid belt region between Mars and Jupiter.

Dr Levy completed his English PhD on the relationship between the night sky and early modern writers at the Hebrew University in 2010 and has helped discover 22 comets and more than 150 asteroids.

He said: "Perhaps someday the university, which I am proud to call an alma mater, will be able to put this new piece of real estate to good academic use."

Hebrew University President Prof. Menahem Ben-Sasson said: "The Hebrew University is delighted by Dr. Levy's extraordinary gesture and proud to join the exclusive list of institutions whose names are recorded among the stars."