"For years our program has aimed not only to present the progress of astronomy, but to give an opportunity to our members to hear, see, and visit with eminent scientists who actually are contributing to the ever-widening horizon of our knowledge of the universe. ”
1947 quote from club founder Dr. Jason J. Nassau
The Cleveland Astronomical Society
LECTURE NEWS: MEETINGS:
2026 - 2027
The Cleveland Astronomical Society Lecture Series
has announced the lineup of speakers for the 105th Season.
September 3, 2026 Speaker: Dr. Valerie Neal Title: “US Women Astronauts: Three Generations and Counting” Description: Since 1978 when six American women were selected as astronaut candidates, women have become fully integral to the astronaut corps and have held every technical and leadership position. Yet the public is not aware of most of them and their achievements in the US space program. This presentation will introduce the women who have collectively flown more than 100 space shuttle missions, 10 SpaceX flights, and more than 30 space station expeditions, with special attention to those who have set various records. Audiences may find inspiration in their different journeys to become astronauts, the challenges they faced, and their resilience and dedication as they took their place in space.
Bio:
Dr. Valerie Neal, is currently Curator Emerita at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, a historian, author, developer of exhibits and documentaries, and collector of spaceflight artifacts. She has also taught writing and space history courses at the University of Minnesota, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Vanderbilt, and Georgetown Her latest book is On a Mission: The Smithsonian History of US Women Astronauts, published in 2025, following Spaceflight in the Shuttle Era and Beyond: Defining Humanity's Purpose in Space (2017).
Dr. Neal earned a Ph.D. in American studies from the University of Minnesota, following an M.A. in American studies from the University of Southern California, and a B.A. in English and history from Texas Christian University, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, with honors.
She retired from the Smithsonian in 2019.
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