Like many hobbies Astronomy has its own top Magazines. Here we review the top astronomy magazines that are available.
Sky and Telescope
This is one of the oldest magazine’s for the amateur astronomer still available in magazine outlets. Sky and Telescope is a US monthly publication aimed at all aspects of amateur astronomy. From current news in the astronomy world to reviews on books and new equipment. It also has a sections on Astrophotography and photographs taken by amateur astronomers. This magazine is widely available in the UK and other countries.
Astronomy
This is another american astronomy publication that is aimed at the amateur astronomer. This publication is also available in the UK and other countries. It covers all the latest news aspects in astronomy, along with sections on Astrophotography and the current months night sky.
Astronomy used to have two sister publication before they were absorbed into the magazine itself. The first was called ‘Amateur Telescope making’. First published in the late sixties it was aimed at those who particularly were building their own scopes, particularly the Dobsonian Telescope which was a telescope that was easy to build and well within the pocket of most people.
The other magazine published with Astronomy was a small publication aimed at those astronomers who were interested in deep sky observations, especially nebula.
Astronomy Now
July 2024 Astronomy Now Magazine
This magazine was first issued in the UK in 1987. Since that time it has become one of the leading astronomy publication in the UK and other countries around the world. It has become essential reading for most amateur astronomers.
The magazine focuses on the amateur astronomer. It has regular reviews on books and other new equipment available.
It has a sections on astrophotography, and software available to process your pictures. There is also a current months night sky and what to look for.Sky at Night
Sky At Night
July 2024 Sky At Night Magazine
This is one of the newest astronomy publications in the UK. But is also available in most countries. The magazine’s name came from the television programme of the same name. This programme has run monthly from 1957 and is recognised as the longest running TV series’s.
The series was fronted by Sir Patrick Moore in every programme until his death in December 2012.
The magazine itself was first published in 2005 and featured Sir Patrick Moore on its front cover and included a copy of ‘Moore’s Moon Map’ and a free gift.
The magazine has articles on the latest news in Astronomy. Equipment and book reviews. There are also sections on Astrophotography, amateur astronomers own photographs and details of the current months sky.
Conclusion
These are only four of the magazines that are available to the amateur astronomer, but are considered the most well read. Other magazines, like Popular Astronomy and Spaceflight, all have their own niche subjects and are well worth a read.
Clear Skies
Dave