Love Astronomy Magazine, but it's $29.95/year via the magazine insert subscription card, and $42.95 via Amazon.
Why???
So, you are interested in astronomy and ready to pick up a subsciption to an astronomy magazine, but are not sure which magazine to purchase? First let me say, "Good for you!" I never go a month without a magazine. It is difficult to keep up to date with the night sky without a monthly guide.
But you are probably trying to decide whether to read "Astronomy" magazine or "Sky & Telescope". These are the two big North American competitors. The good news is, you won't go wrong. Both are excellent magazines and both are of similar quality, size, and usefullness. I regularly read both of them. The difference is a matter of subtle leaning. Astronomy magazine leans a little more toward the amateur. It includes monthly selections that will help a person who is learning the sky. It is a favorite of those who appreciate the beauty of the night sky. Sky & Telescope is a little more technical. It is written for someone who tackles the subject with the passion of a scholar. As I wrote, the difference is subtle. Either way, you won't go wrong.
Let me go out on a limb here. If you are reading this review and trying to decide, you probably will enjoy Astronomy magazine more.
UNLESS . . .
That is, unless you do not own a telescope and do own a pair of binoculars. Sky & Telescope includes a small "Binocular Highlight". It isn't large, less than a page, but it is enough to challenge you.
Which way do I personally lean? Last year I leaned toward Sky & Telescope and picked up occasional Astronomy magazines at the bookstore. This year I subscribe to Astronomy and pick up occasional Sky & Telescopes at the books store. Next year . . .who knows? I keep trying out different magazines and comparing them. I also subscribe to another astronomy magazine.
A final word, there are other serious contenders in the field of astronomy magazines. For example, "Sky at Night" has them both beat, but it costs a lot more, so I don't get it.
Buy Astronomy Now
By far, this is my all-time favorite astronomy magazine, and its companion website is a fantastic, useful, up-to-date resource. This magazine has fantastic photos and illustrations. Its plethora of articles are well-written and diverse---from simple star-gazing techniques, to amateur astronomy, to serious astro-imaging, to NASA's greatest projects, to cosmic oddities like Wolf-Rayet stars. Occasionally, readers are treated to some astro-history or other stories relating astronomy to other topics such a mythology, history, philosophy, literature, biology, archaeology, current events, etc. [Review Update June 4, 2008: As an example of this last statement, the new July 2008 edition of Astronomy contains an intriguing article on a old mystery: "Did Ancient Astronomers Build Stonehenge?" by Dan Falk. The article opens dramatically with an eerie image of Stonehenge and Comet Hale-Bopp from 1997; this image is a well-placed spread (filling two pages), capturing the minds and imaginations of readers. As a second treat this month, the magazine also includes an Astrobiology article, "Are We Looking for Life in the Right Places?" by Daniel Pendick.)
The magazine always includes reliable features like a lovely "The Sky this Month" pull-out section that describes sky events, constellations, and objects as they will appear in the given month. "Ask Astro" answers many questions on space topics, and Phil Harrington's "Binocular Universe" article always helps viewers locate the treasures of the sky. Bob Berman's "Strange Universe" is a good read, usually with a dash of humor and / or personality.
Updated Note June 4, 2008:
As an eyeglass wearer, I am always sensitive to layouts, prints, and text. Astronomy magazine's fonts and visual design elements are bright, clear, and easy to read.
**Before you decide on this magazine, check out Sky & Telescope magazine and its reviews. I subscribe to both magazines and have found that each magazine has its own personality and readership. I prefer Astronomy, of course, as stated above; however, Sky & Telescope has some interesting features and notable strengths too. A visit to your local library or newstand can give you the opportunity to preview each magazine for yourself before signing onto a subscription. **
Read Best Reviews of Astronomy Here
I absolutely love this magazine. It keeps me up to date on what's happening in the night sky and in the world of telescopes and astronomy. Aimed more at the casual amateur. I tend to think of it as a lighter version of Sky & Telescope
Very beautiful and they are liberal with pictures of night sky objects. If you are just beginning out in astronomy this is a great place to start. You are going to be shocked by how many things are going on in the night sky on a regular basis! Not just phases of the moon and meteor showers here. They also have lots of stuff about telescopes which I really like.
Want Astronomy Discount?
This Magazine as well as the organization behind it has seriously deteriorated . As another reviewer described it , the shrinkage not only in the size of the magazine but also its relevant content . It seems to contain more science fiction and hypothetical material as time goes on . No longer is it based on what would resemble an aid to the hobby of astronomy and the use of a telescope . Sky & Telescope is far superior if this type of publication is what you are after .
I have only recently picked up a copy of one installment of this magazine and I was instantly captivated. The writing is refreshing. I am not generally a fan of magazines, but this one offers the peace of a collection of short stories. Touching emphasis is placed on the depth and elegance of the writing rather than sensationalist reporting. The editors clearly care as much about the message each issue sends as the authors of the pieces presented therein. The layout provides the respect to the articles and photography that they deserve. This magazine is an inspirationto travel, to write, to learn and to live.
