Astro@250 Kickoff Features Women of Astronomy

Acclaimed women of astronomy are featured in the Astronomy@250 conference, which explores the role of astronomy during the US Semiquincentennial. The kickoff event on August 27, 2026, at 5pm PT/8pm EDT is a panel celebrating the life and legacy of Nancy Grace Roman, NASA's first chief astronomer whose namesake Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is preparing for an August 2026 launch. The panel, which is free and open to the public, will detail Dr. Nancy Grace Roman's scientific vision, leadership, philanthropy, and enduring influence on astronomy.

This free kickoff event is part of the Astro Society 2026: Astronomy@250 Conference. Register for the keynote webinar to get a Zoom invitation at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DO9sMPgYRuya431PaB02lw#/registration.

Dr. France Cordova of Science Philanthropic Alliance will host the panel as it highlights four key perspectives of Dr. Roman's life:

• Dr. Linda Shore, former Executive Director of the ASP, will address The Person,

• Dr. Rachael Beaton, Space Telescope Science Institute, will address The Science,

• Jessica A. Harris, Owner/Founder, will address The Profession, and

• Dr. Meg Urry, Yale University, will address The Historical Arc.

  
  

The Astronomy@250 conference explores astronomy across the past 250 years of US history. Full conference registration is not required to attend the keynote Zoom webinar. To learn more about Astro Society 2026: Astronomy@250 Conference, visit https://astrosociety.org/events-home/2026-conference-astronomy-250.html