Astronomy

Astronomy Now publication changes owners

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Following three decades of dedicated leadership by Steven Young, Astronomy Now publication changes owners as Dr. Stuart Clark and Dr. Emily Baldwin take the helm, promising a revitalized direction with new features and deeper community involvement.

Astronomy Now, the UK monthly astronomy magazine, has officially entered a new chapter as it transitions to new ownership and management under the publishing banner of Nebula Press. The change was formalized with the signing of a transfer agreement between former manager Steven Young and incoming publisher Dr. Stuart Clark. The handover marks the end of an era led by Young, who managed the publication for over three decades, and signals a refreshed vision for the magazine's future.

Dr. Clark, who previously served as Astronomy Now's editor in 2005 and was a freelance contributor as far back as the early 1990s, now takes the helm as the magazine’s new editorial lead. He is joined by Dr. Emily Baldwin, former Deputy and Online Editor (2008–2012), who will guide the magazine’s digital and community engagement strategy. Both Clark and Baldwin have since held senior editorial roles at the European Space Agency and founded content firms specializing in science and space communication.

Pictured above: Steven Young (right) symbolically hands over Astronomy Now to Stuart Clark. Image credit: Neil Monaghan

Astronomy Now publication changes owners

The publication’s long-standing mission remains unchanged: to make the wonders of the Universe accessible to amateur astronomers and enthusiasts, to foster a passionate astronomical community, and to deliver engaging, expert-led content every month.

The relaunch will officially begin with the September 2025 issue, slated for release on 21 August. Readers can expect expanded editorial sections, new features spotlighting community contributions, and an improved online experience. A new “Your Space” section will showcase reader feedback and personal astronomy stories.

Returning to the masthead are familiar names like Steve Kelly (Publishing Manager), Greg Smye-Rumsby (Art Manager), and Mark Armstrong (Night Sky Manager). The magazine will continue to feature contributions from beloved columnists and experts, including Owen Brazell, Bob Argyle, Tracie Heywood, Nik Szymanek, Steve Ringwood, Colin Stuart, Ian Seymour, Ade Ashford, and Allan Chapman. New contributors are also expected to join the team in the coming months.

Nebula Press expressed deep gratitude to Steven Young for his 31 years of stewardship and confirmed that he will remain involved by continuing to oversee AstroFest, the magazine’s flagship annual event, and its spaceflight news sister platform, Spaceflight Now. Former Editor Keith Cooper was also recognized for his editorial leadership during recent years.

Speaking about the transition, Clark emphasized the team’s commitment to both honoring the magazine’s legacy and evolving its content for a new generation of stargazers. The new management invites readers to contribute feedback and help shape the direction of both print and digital offerings.

The relaunch has been met with enthusiasm among the editorial team, who are already at work behind the scenes to deliver an invigorated Astronomy Now experience.