In these exciting times for astronomy the number of quality magazines available is increasing. These magazines offer not just feature articles on interesting aspects of the subject, but also advice on telescopes and accessories and fascinating photographs of the cosmos. Now, more than ever before, the amateur astronomer can be part of an adventure and feel involved in exploration of the universe.
There are good reasons to be excited about astronomical developments. On the one hand, the amateur astronomer can view an increasing number of heavenly objects about which our knowledge is increasing all the time. On the other hand, through astronomy magazines and other sources of information all those interested in astronomy and cosmology can keep up to date with the latest research on the cutting edge of these sciences. Through high quality publications the amateur who takes an interest in astronomy can contemplate the ultimate fate of the universe and the nature of space and time or eagerly follow the search for earth-like exoplanets.
The astronomy magazines are rising to the challenges of the times and increasing the scope and quality of their coverage to keep up with the pace of change in this most exciting of all the sciences. The magazines listed here all have their own angle on the subject but use their words and illustrations to open a window onto a magnificent cosmic landscape.
Astronomy magazine
This monthly US astronomy magazine includes news reporting, telescope reviews and striking colour photographs. Feature articles cover subjects such as the largest telescopes, exploration of the cosmos, objects in the solar system and suggestions for amateur astronomers. Each issue contains book reviews and readers’ questions and letters.
Astronomy Now
This monthly UK magazine covers topics such as astronomical observation, cosmology and the history of astronomy. The specialised focus articles take a more in-depth look at topics in astronomy and space science. The magazine includes in each issue a section on the night sky, a news section, astronomical images contributed by readers, book reviews and general advice that is useful to new and experienced astronomers.
Sky at night
This monthly BBC magazine published in the UK is related to the popular long-running astronomy programme “Sky at Night” on BBC television. The magazine publishes feature articles related to astronomical topics, advice on telescopes and contributions from the well-known TV personality and astronomer Patrick Moore who presents the BBC television programme. There are occasional special issues such as the recent spectacular publication containing three dimensional astronomical images.
Sky and Telescope
This monthly magazine published in the United States contains astronomy news and features on various topics such as observatories, aspects of the solar system and the hunt for earth-like exoplanets. The magazine covers telescopes and features the latest products, including sky charts to guide amateur astronomers.
Astronomy Technology Today
This US magazine is a print and online guide to astronomical equipment. The magazine contains industry news, looking at the people and companies that produce astronomical equipment. Also included are announcements of new products and equipment reviews. Amateur astronomers can learn of upcoming astronomical events, and the articles cover topics that are relevant to entry-level amateur astronomers, experienced amateurs and professionals.
The Astronomer
This monthly UK magazine describes itself as a magazine for the advanced amateur astronomer. The magazine aims to inform its readers about astronomical observations in as short a time as possible after they have been made, and as part of this aim it offers an electronic circular service for members. The magazine contains notes on observations concerning meteors, comets and planets as well as information on stars and astronomical events such as supernova observations.
Popular Astronomy
This is the quarterly magazine of the Society for Popular Astronomy. The magazine features professional and amateur research, features on telescopes and a section on the amateur scene featuring astronomical societies. There is a “Young Stargazers” section for younger readers who are interested in astronomy. The magazine also has a news section, a diary featuring forthcoming astronomical sights, readers’ letters, book and product reviews and competitions.
Astronomy & Space magazine
This monthly magazine published in Ireland contains astronomy news, information on astronomical events and articles on astronomy. The magazine’s articles are illustrated by good quality pictures. This is the magazine of Astronomy Ireland (the astronomy club of Ireland) and is distributed to members as well as being on sale generally and available by subscription.
Scientific journals featuring astronomy
The US journal Scientific American, a popular science journal that covers a broad range of scientific topics, also carries featured articles on subjects such as astronomy and cosmology.
The popular weekly UK magazine New Scientist covers all aspects of science but frequently leads with cosmology articles that are of interest to amateur astronomers. Also, the New Scientist website includes more information of interest to astronomers.
Sources:
Astronomy magazine www.astronomy.com
Astronomy Now www.astronomynow.com
Astronomy Technology Today www.astronomytechnologytoday.com
Popular Astronomy www.popastro.com
Sky and Telescope www.skyandtelescope.com
Sky at Night www.skyatnightmagazine.com
The Astronomer www.theastronomer.org
Astronomy Ireland www.astronomy.ie
