Aim and Scope

The Journal of Astronomy in Culture is devoted to publishing academic investigations into the operation of astronomies and the cultures, societies and ideologies that supported them.  Relevant subject matter to the journal ranges from the earliest times to the present and covers any geographical region.  Studies may incorporate methodological approaches from anthropology, archaeology, archaeoastronomy, history, indigenous studies and science & technology studies.

As the main publishing arm of the International Society of Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture (ISAAC), the Journal of Astronomy in Culture is a peer reviewed venue for the dissemination of the latest academically rigorous contributions to the field.  As such, it publishes regular issues including research articles, technical reports, book reviews and scholarly comments.  Journal issues are available electronically, but also as bound volumes through UC eScholarship.

Research Articles provide self-contained arguments based on new data and adhering to a recognized academic methodology.  Articles are generally about 7,000 words in length and shouldn't exceed 10,000. See the Style Guide for further information.

Technical Reports are short, focused essays (< 5,000 words) that emphasize the reporting of new data and its technical analysis.  Interpretation and discussion is generally light in favor of presenting new material in a timely manner.  The audience is typically more specialized (assumed knowledge may be greater), but the author should still strive for a broad intelligibility as possible.

Book Reviews are generally solicited directly by the Book Review Editor.  Authors may inquire about the possibility of submitting a review for consideration, but should clear it with the Book Review Editor so as not to encourage multiple reviews of a single book.

Scholarly Comments are short essays responding to a research article or technical report published in a previous journal issue.  Comment should be short (< 1,000 words) and must maintain a proper scholarly demeanor.  It is the Editor’s decision to publish a comment or not.