Beginner Astronomy Magazine

wavelandscott (Scott) · #1 13-09-2005, 07:30 PM

Hi All,

I am an avid reader...it is one of my hobbies...

I suscribe to several Astronomy magazines...Sky and Telescope, Australian Sky and Telescope, Sky and Space (when it comes) and I pick up the odd Astronomy magazine...I enjoy each and everyone of them...

Recently, I've been enjoying a "newer" magazine from the publishers of Sky and Telescope called Night Sky...and I find it outstanding for beginners!

Night Sky comes out 6 times a year and is targeted specifically at beginner level astronomers and wannabe astronomers...

I find the writing and articles to be aimed at an interested but not yet technically proficient reader and each issue includes a glossary and definition of all technical terms used in the issue. It is an easy and informative read.

For instance, this last issue had a whole section about star charts and things to look for when purchasing one...as well as a much more descriptive article of things to see in the next two months with some easy to follow instruction on how to find them in the sky and a description on what you should see.

Yes, it is true that there is a fair amount of overlap between the three Sky and Telescope magazines but I don't mind...each one also has some specific and unique articles and I enjoy them all.

Again, if you are a new person who is a bit intimidated by all of the "jargon"...check out Night Sky...

I've seen copies (dated) at several newsagents in and around Chatswood and Hornsby...

Continued Good Reading!

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #2 13-09-2005, 08:08 PM

If I can find a copy is it suitable for my boys aged at 9 and 12? or still a bit too technical for that age?

davidpretorius · #3 13-09-2005, 08:35 PM

ken, pm me with your address and i will airbag you my july august night sky.

Greg Bryant · #4 13-09-2005, 08:58 PM

We do pick 1 or 2 articles from each issue of "Night Sky", as it's not widely circulated in Australia, to use in Australian Sky & Telescope. For example, in the October issue of AS&T which is out tomorrow, we have articles on the Green Flash and on finding Neptune and Uranus. Another "Night Sky" article is in the November issue.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #5 13-09-2005, 09:17 PM

Thanks David, will do!

toetoe (Peter) · #6 13-09-2005, 10:06 PM

I must say that i have not seen this magazine. It sounds like something i need to get hold of for myself.

wavelandscott (Scott) · #7 13-09-2005, 10:45 PM

Ken,

I think if your kids are "into" astronomy the magazine is appropriate...I think it won an award based on it being "kid friendly" but, I would not say it is targeted at kids particularly. It is targeted for beginners (anyone) intersted in astronomy.

They have a website (based in the US) that you can check out...from memory, they do have some sample articles so that you can get an idea on level of writing...

Greg, I hope you did not read my post in a way unintended, I did not mean to be critical about the overlap...the Green Flash and the Neptune/Uranus articles were both well written and informative ones...I am glad you picked them...more people get to read them and that is a good thing! If people enjoy that level of information and writing style, I think they will like Night Sky magazine.

I just posted because I have really enjoyed the magazine...it is informative and approachable...Oh, I like to read the S&T, AS&T, S&S etc. too... as I mentioned in my first post, I like just plain like to read!

Cheers!

iceman (Mike) · #8 14-09-2005, 06:24 AM

I was a subscriber to Night Sky, when I first got into astronomy (about 15 months ago). I got the 6 issues, and let my subscription die and didn't renew, but it was a great resource while I was learning.

I didn't renew mainly because of the overlap and because it stopped being as useful as it was when I was a newbie. However I'd still recommend it as a great magazine for those who are still new to the hobby. It's also at a very favourable price so it won't kill your wallet.

xstream (John) · #9 14-09-2005, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toetoe

I must say that i have not seen this magazine. It sounds like something i need to get hold of for myself.

Peter, Just mention it next time you come round; Anna subscribes to it not a bad mag really.

seeker372011 (Narayan) · #10 14-09-2005, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wavelandscott

Hi All,

I suscribe to several Astronomy magazines...Sky and Telescope, Australian Sky and Telescope, Sky and Space (when it comes) and I pick up the odd Astronomy magazine...I enjoy each and everyone of them...

!

I thought I was the only Astronomy mag tragic around-subscribe to AS&T and the American "Astronomy"; buy AS&S whenever it appears and trawl my local library to get the latest American Sky and Telescope...

been reading S&T-the American edition-on and off since I was in high school..that was of course a long long time ago in a galaxy far far away

wavelandscott (Scott) · #11 14-09-2005, 07:15 PM

No, you are in good company being a magazine junkie...

Speaking of which, when is the next Sky and Space due out?

jdb · #12 14-09-2005, 07:28 PM

Now wavelandscott (to answer your very good question)...!...but I certainly wouldn't break the forum guidelines and advertise the fact...no recycled articles either...all 100% original, correctly sourced and acknowledged, Australian made material...

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE...OI OI OI

ving (David) · #13 14-09-2005, 08:22 PM

i have seen that mag too. look ok

dhumpie · #14 15-09-2005, 01:21 PM

It is a very good beginner magazine and it does appeal to more advanced observers as well. I don't subscribe but buy the occasional issue. You can find it in any good and well stocked newsagent!

Darren