The Astronomical Journal is an active peer-reviewed scientific journal published monthly by IOP Publishing on behalf of the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Founded in 1849 by American astronomer Benjamin Apthorp Gould (1824–1896), it paused publication in 1861 due to the American Civil War, before resuming in 1885. It was acquired by the AAS in 1941 and publishes research relevant to all aspects of astronomy and astrophysics.

Each issue features original articles on advances in the field, with an emphasis on significant scientific results derived from observations. It also contains descriptions of data acquisition, surveys, analysis techniques, astronomical interpretation, instrumentation, the astronomical use of software, and innovations in astronomical computing. Occasional special-focus issues are dedicated to a particular topic of interest. 

The Internet Archive Collection contains microfilm published between 1997 and 2010. 

The Astronomical Journal is found online at: https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-3881

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Astronomical_Journal

The ISSN is 0004-6256

Publication History:

Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society 0002-7537 Partially replaced by (in 1969) USA United States