Practical Astronomer is the result of a search for a quality, amateur astronomy related magazine focussing on astrophotography and visual observing. It is published monthly in full colour. The premier issue will be published as June, 2006.

Practical Astronomer is committed to its readers and to the hobby of amateur astronomy, to produce a magazine based on fair and unbiased reporting. Our reviews and evaluations will be thorough, factual and based on careful testing of the product by competent amateurs and professionals in their field.

Whether you are just starting out or consider yourself an accomplished amateur, we'll have plenty of interest for you.

Astrophotography - there are few people these days that are not inspired by some of the breathtaking images being produced by amateur astronomers from around the world with off the shelf equipment. These images rival or exceed those that were being produced by professional observatories just fifteen years ago.

We'll show you how to start out in astro-photography, explain the different camera types, show you how to post-process your images including some of the more complex methods involved, look at the different programmes available, in fact everything you need to know that will enable you to take pictures that may grace our magazine cover. Have a look at one of our articles here (pdf document)             If you don't have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, you can download it free from here

Visual Observing - fed up looking at amorphous blobs through your scope. How can I see the Horsehead or the Veil nebula? Can I see any spiral structure in galaxies? We'll explain how to see more, a lot more.

Understand Optics - What's a Ronchigram? How do I star test my scope? Should I be worried about under or over correction? We'll explain these in terms that you'll understand and how you can apply some of the tests yourself. An article here (1.5Mb pdf document) explains the relevance of the Interferometer test beam and its effect on relevant measurement.

Equipment Reviews - We'll test the equipment so you don't have to (but without the crash dummies!) We'll test the optics of scopes and publish the results, including knife edge tests, ronchi tests and star tests. We'll give you all the measurements you need - focus travel, back focus, need for diagonals etc. We'll take images through the camera that you're thinking of buying.  Have a look at one of our in depth reviews here (2.8Mb pdf document). Although this review is an example of one of our magazine reviews, it is nevertheless a genuine review with the correct test results.

Observing Sites & Star Parties - Never taken your scope away from your backyard. You really should - it'll open up a whole new world of observing. We'll look at some of the best sites for deep sky observing and advise on star parties throughout the year.

Not convinced yet. OK, we'll also advise you on suitable targets for your particular setup, from simple camera on tripod to high resolution pictures of obscure objects. Fed up looking at the same objects night after night. We'll find you some more, a lot more.

Meet an amateur will be an interview with some of the top amateurs in their field. Some you'll know, some you might not.

Oh, did we mention, we'll also be publishing a lot of spectacular amateur astro-photographs.

Plus much. much more.

WIN!!  We'll also be giving away some of our "tested" items (telescopes, cameras or accessories) from time to time.

Watch out for details.

Practical Astronomer is a subscription only magazine, printed in English for a world-wide readership. Click here for subscription details.

You, the reader, are very important to us and we welcome any comments, hints, tips or suggestions you may have, either about this magazine, this website or the hobby in general. Maybe you fancy writing an article of interest. Don't keep it to yourself - share it with your fellow amateurs. Contact us here.

Got some nice pics to share - send 'em in here.