Astronomy Online

Astronomy is a serious science and a popular hobby all over the world. As do other interests astronomy generates millions of words of information every month. Astronomy magazines can be a wealth of information including amazing imagery, and guides to help with home telescope use. Now that these magazines are online, it’s an even better world for amateur astronomers.

A top astronomy magazine in the UK is “Astronomy Now”. It’s been around for 20 years and caters to both hobbyists and the pros. The magazine subscriptions regularly include features on everything to do with the science, and focus articles that go further in depth into a particular subject or aspect of astronomy. Reader images, star charts and book reviews are standard in every issue of this magazine. The web site includes most of this information including a much better presentation of the sky chart than can be delivered in any paper magazine. The sky can be shown for any month, period of the month (early or late,) time and at various magnifications. It’s a real help to  anyone with a telescope.

Another useful astronomy magazine is Sky and Telescope. It describes itself as having an astronomy expert at your side. Imagine gazing up at the stars while Carl Sagan, rest his soul, stood ready to deliver important tips and information. Of course the magazine not only focuses on this important information, but includes stunning imagery of outer space objects and phenomenon. In November 2008 for example Sky and Telescope showed a stunning image of a planet orbiting a distance star. This marks the first time a planet has been seen orbiting another star in visible light imagery.

One of the first websites people find when searching for astronomy magazines is the website for Astronomy. The latest information presented by this publication, online via its web site, is truly stunning. It includes the first images ever taken of another solar system. Also posted is an audio tour, in the form of a podcast, of the constellation Cassiopeia. Astronomy also features guides for kids getting into astronomy, first time astronomers and people who want to see the night sky from a city setting. Both the print magazine and website are top-notch.

Admitting to being cheap, the author admits to sticking to web sites instead of purchasing any astronomy magazine. But online or in print, these are priceless guides.