areAstronomy is a serious professional business and enjoyed by enthusiasts. There’s a lot of new information popping up every day. 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. A typical issue has dozens of features and even focus articles that delve more deeply into specific subjects. Standard in every issue are star charts, book reviews and reader images. 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.
Sky and Telescope is another excellent resource. 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. One exciting piece of imagery Sky and Telescope delivered in November of 2008 was images of a planet orbiting another star. It’s historic, because for the first time a planet has been seen orbiting a distant Sun.
It’s likely that the first web site anyone finds when searching for information on Astronomy is that of the world’s best selling astronomy magazine subscription, “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. The site also has constant, permanent information such as a guide to the night sky for beginners, tips and information for kids who want to delve into astronomy, equipment guides, and guides to astronomy in an urban sky. It’s a great magazine to have, and a great web site to visit.
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.
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