Icarus (journal)
The journal Icarus began publication in 1962 under the stewardship of Academic Press. This new periodical emerged to serve a growing community of scientists studying the Solar System and extrasolar systems. Articles within its pages covered astronomy, geology, meteorology, physics, chemistry, and biology. The American Astronomical Society's Division for Planetary Sciences officially endorsed the journal in 1974. Albert G. Wilson and Zdeněk Kopal served as the first editors from 1962 through 1968. Their tenure established the initial scope for scientific inquiry into planetary bodies.
Carl Sagan took over editorship in 1968 and held the position until 1979. Joseph A. Burns followed him, leading the journal from 1980 to 1997. Philip D. Nicholson managed editorial duties from 1998 until 2018. Rosaly Lopes assumed the role in 2018 and continues to guide the publication today. Six decades of leadership have shaped the direction of this scientific field. Each editor brought distinct expertise to the review process and strategic vision for future issues.
During his tenure from 1968 to 1979, Carl Sagan steered the journal toward broader scientific horizons. He emphasized research on astronomy, geology, meteorology, physics, chemistry, and biology within planetary contexts. His influence helped solidify Icarus as a central venue for new discoveries about the Solar System. The period saw an expansion in the types of articles accepted for peer review. Sagan's background in science communication likely encouraged diverse submissions from various disciplines. This era marked a significant shift in how planetary science was presented to the wider academic community.
Academic Press served as the original publisher from 1962 until the year 2000. In that same year, Elsevier purchased Academic Press and took control of the journal. This acquisition transferred ownership rights and operational responsibilities to a larger corporate entity. The change occurred after nearly four decades of independent publishing under Academic Press. Subsequent issues continued to reflect the journal's established mission despite the shift in management. The transition ensured long-term stability for the publication while integrating it into a global portfolio of scientific resources.
The title Icarus references the figure from Greek mythology who flew too close to the sun. Every issue frontispiece features an extended quotation from Sir Arthur Eddington. Eddington equated Icarus' adventurousness with the scientific investigator who strains theories to the breaking point. He described how weak joints gape when pushed beyond their limits. This quote appears consistently across all editions to remind readers of the risks inherent in exploration. The name serves as a constant metaphor for the bold nature of planetary research.
Icarus is indexed by the Science Citation Index and Current Contents Physical Chemical and Earth Sciences. Additional databases include Computer Control Abstracts and Electrical Electronics Abstracts. Physics abstracts and Science abstracts Series A also list its content. GeoRef, Chemical Abstracts Service, International aerospace abstracts, and Energy research abstracts cover specific subsets of articles. These listings ensure visibility within major citation networks used by researchers worldwide. Inclusion in these services facilitates the dissemination of findings on astronomy, geology, meteorology, physics, chemistry, and biology.
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Common questions
When did the journal Icarus begin publication?
The journal Icarus began publication in 1962 under the stewardship of Academic Press. This new periodical emerged to serve a growing community of scientists studying the Solar System and extrasolar systems.
Who served as the first editors of the journal Icarus from 1962 through 1968?
Albert G. Wilson and Zdeněk Kopal served as the first editors from 1962 through 1968. Their tenure established the initial scope for scientific inquiry into planetary bodies.
Which publisher took control of the journal Icarus after Academic Press in 2000?
Elsevier purchased Academic Press and took control of the journal in 2000. This acquisition transferred ownership rights and operational responsibilities to a larger corporate entity.
What is the origin of the name Icarus used for this scientific journal?
The title Icarus references the figure from Greek mythology who flew too close to the sun. Every issue frontispiece features an extended quotation from Sir Arthur Eddington equating adventurousness with the scientific investigator.
How long did Carl Sagan hold editorship of the journal Icarus between 1968 and 1979?
Carl Sagan took over editorship in 1968 and held the position until 1979. During his tenure he steered the journal toward broader scientific horizons emphasizing research on astronomy, geology, meteorology, physics, chemistry, and biology within planetary contexts.