Introducing AAS Nova: Research Highlights from the AAS Journals

One challenge that all scientific researchers struggle with is dealing with the huge number of new papers published on a daily basis. The American Astronomical Society (AAS) is committed to finding ways to better support the astronomical community, so we are pleased to introduce a new service to address this challenge: AAS Nova.

This new site (http://aasnova.org), curated by Dr. Susanna Kohler, provides brief highlights of recently published articles from the AAS journals — the Astronomical Journal (AJ), the Astrophysical Journal (ApJ), ApJ Letters, and ApJ Supplements — to inform researchers, science journalists, and others interested in astronomy about breakthroughs and discoveries they might otherwise overlook. AAS Nova was unveiled earlier this month in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the XXIX General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union. The AAS publishes its journals in partnership with Institute of Physics (IOP) Publishing in Bristol, U.K., and Washington, D.C., which built the AAS Nova website to specifications provided by the AAS.

"We are extremely excited Susanna has joined the AAS team," says Julie Steffen, AAS Director of Publishing. "She has long been dedicated to the communication of astronomy research through contributions to both Astrobites and ComSciCon, and the launch of AAS Nova will provide her with an additional opportunity to inform the field of hot science published in the AAS journals."

Ethan Vishniac, Editor in Chief of the Astrophysical Journal, adds, "We are thrilled that Susanna will provide this service to highlight the excellent work authors publish in the AAS journals, and are confident this will help readers stay abreast of the latest research in the field."

"I'm delighted to continue sharing exciting astrophysics developments with astronomy researchers and enthusiasts," says Susanna Kohler, Editor of AAS Nova. "I look forward to helping our authors' work gain wider exposure and providing a way for the busy researcher to keep up with some of the breakthroughs and discoveries in the broader field."

Contacts:
Rob Bernstein
Publisher, IOP Publishing
+1 202-747-1807

Susanna Kohler
Editor, AAS Nova
+1 202-328-2010 x127

The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established in 1899, is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. The membership (approx. 8,000) also includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers, and others whose research interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising contemporary astronomy. The mission of the American Astronomical Society is to enhance and share humanity's scientific understanding of the universe, which it achieves through publishing, meeting organization, education and outreach, and training and professional development.

IOP Publishing provides publications through which leading-edge scientific research is distributed worldwide. Beyond IOP's core journals program of more than 70 publications, high-value scientific information is made easily accessible through an ever-evolving portfolio of community websites, magazines, open-access conference proceedings, and a multitude of electronic services. The company is focused on making the most of new technologies and continually improving electronic interfaces to make it easier for researchers to find exactly what they need, when they need it, in the format that suits them best. IOP Publishing is part of the Institute of Physics (IOP), a leading scientific society with more than 50,000 international members. The Institute aims to advance physics for the benefit of all by working to advance physics research, application, and education; and engaging with policymakers and the public to develop awareness and understanding of physics. Any financial surplus earned by IOP Publishing goes to support science through the activities of the Institute.