When did the first issue of Popular Astronomy magazine appear?
The first issue of Popular Astronomy appeared in September 1893. This publication emerged as a direct successor to The Sidereal Messenger which had run from March 1882 until 1892.
Questions about Popular Astronomy (US magazine)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who edited Popular Astronomy during its original run from 1893 to 1951?
William W. Payne served as editor from 1893 through 1909 while teaching at Carleton College. Herbert C. Wilson held the position from 1909 until 1926 and Dr. Curvin Henry Gingrich became the final editor for the original run before his death in 1951.
What role did Popular Astronomy play in developing variable star observing practices within the United States?
Popular Astronomy played an important role in developing variable star observing practices within the United States by providing a central hub for data collection that did not exist elsewhere. Amateur astronomers relied on its pages to track changes in stellar brightness over time and many observers sent their findings directly to the editorial office for inclusion.
When was Popular Astronomy revived after being dormant since 1951?
John August Media revived the title in 2009 after a long hiatus when the magazine had been dormant since 1951 when the original run concluded. In 2017, Popular Astronomy returned as part of TechnicaCuriosa.com alongside sister titles.
How many volumes did Popular Astronomy publish during its original period from 1893 to 1951?
The total count reached fifty-nine volumes during the original publication period from 1893 to 1951. Each yearly volume of Popular Astronomy contained exactly ten issues throughout this consistent structure which remained unchanged for nearly sixty years.