Jonathan H. Ward

Jonathan H. Ward is the author of space history books, a cruise ship astronomer and enrichment speaker, and an avid astrophotographer.

Jonathan’s most recent book, “Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars,” was written in collaboration with astronaut Eileen Collins, the first American woman to pilot and command space missions. Jonathan and Eileen have given book signings and talks on the book at venues including the EAA Oshkosh AirVenture 2022, the Women in Aviation International conference at Nashville, Kennedy Space Center, and the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center. The book was also featured at the Texas Book Festival in November 2002.

His previous book, “Bringing Columbia Home: The Untold Story of a Lost Space Shuttle and Her Crew,” is considered the definitive book on the aftermath of the 2003 Columbia accident. The book was optioned for development as a feature film. It was awarded the Space Hipsters prize for Best Space and Astronomy Book of 2018.

Jonathan is an active speaker on space-related topics as a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador since 2012. He is a Resident Astronomer for Viking Ocean Cruises, for whom he provides enrichment lectures, hosts “The Sky Above Us” planetarium presentations, and leads stargazing sessions on deck.

While he would not call himself a “thrill-seeker,” Jonathan does like to explore, re-invent himself, and push himself out of his comfort zone to broaden his personal knowledge in his areas of interest. This has led to such diverse experiences as taking a zero-G flight, skydiving, performing as a baritone soloist on stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, playing banjo in a bluegrass band, riding a camel, and running in half-marathons.

Jonathan was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in September 2018. He is president of the Greensboro (North Carolina) Astronomy Club and president of his neighborhood association, Hamilton Lakes and Parks, Inc.