Physics Today: The Premier Membership Magazine of the American Institute of Physics
For decades, Physics Today has served as a vital communication bridge within the global scientific community. As the official membership magazine of the American Institute of Physics (AIP), it provides a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of physics, blending rigorous scientific reporting with discussions on the societal impacts of research.
Key Facts
- Publisher: American Institute of Physics (AIP)
- First Published: May 1948
- Frequency: Monthly
- Headquarters: College Park, Maryland, United States
- Impact Factor: 4.370 (as of 2017 Journal Citation Reports)
- Circulation: 134,146 (December 2012)
Editorial Scope and Content
Physics Today is designed to keep the physics community informed through a variety of content formats. The publication features overview articles authored by external experts, as well as shorter review articles produced by the internal editorial staff. These pieces ensure that readers stay current with the most significant developments in the field.
Beyond pure science, the magazine delves into the intersection of physics with politics, education, and other professional fields. By addressing these broader issues, it provides a holistic view of how scientific discovery interacts with global governance and academic structures.
A Historical Record of Science
More than just a current news source, Physics Today acts as a historical archive of scientific thought and geopolitical influence. The magazine has documented pivotal moments in history, such as the feasibility of the 1980s "Star Wars" program and the state of physics research in the Soviet Union and China during the 1950s and 1970s.
These records are preserved in various archival collections at the Niels Bohr Library & Archives, including the AIP Physics Today Division records spanning from 1948 to 2006, and specific files related to Nobel Prize winner Bertram Schwarzschild.
Publication Details and Accessibility
The magazine is primarily provided to members of ten different physics societies, including the American Physical Society. However, it remains accessible to the wider public and non-members through paid annual subscriptions.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 0031-9228 |
| OCLC | 643170318 |
| Editor | Richard Fitzgerald |
| Website | www.physicstoday.org |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who publishes Physics Today?
Physics Today is published by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) and is based in College Park, Maryland.
How can I subscribe to the magazine?
The magazine is automatically provided to members of ten physics societies, such as the American Physical Society. Non-members can obtain access via a paid annual subscription.
What is the impact factor of Physics Today?
According to the 2017 Journal Citation Reports, the publication has an impact factor of 4.370.
What kind of articles are found in the magazine?
The publication includes expert-written overview articles, internal staff review articles, and discussions on politics and education as they relate to the science community.
Where are the historical records of the magazine kept?
Archival collections, including division records and Nobel Prize files, are maintained at the Niels Bohr Library & Archives.