Hubbry Logo
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical SocietyMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical SocietyMain
Open search
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Community hub
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
from Wikipedia

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Cover image of MNRAS in 2022
DisciplineAstronomy, astrophysics
LanguageEnglish
Edited byDavid Flower
Publication details
Former name
Monthly Notices of the Astronomical Society of London
History1827–present
Publisher
Frequency36/year
Gold (since 2024)[2]
LicenseCC-BY (since 2024)
4.8 (2022)
Standard abbreviations
ISO 4Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc.
NLMMon Not R Astron Soc
Indexing
CODENMNRAA4
ISSN0035-8711 (print)
1365-2966 (web)
LCCNsf85001279
OCLC no.10340650
Links

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal in astronomy, astrophysics and related fields. It publishes original research in two formats: papers (of any length) and letters (limited to five pages). MNRAS publishes more articles per year than any other astronomy journal.[3]

The learned society journal has been in continuous existence since 1827 and became online only in 2020. It operates as a partnership between the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), who select and peer-review the contents, and Oxford University Press (OUP), who publish and market the journal. Despite its name, MNRAS is no longer monthly, nor does it carry the notices of the RAS.[4] In 2024 MNRAS became a purely gold open access journal.[2]

History

[edit]

The first issue of MNRAS was published on 9 February 1827 as Monthly Notices of the Astronomical Society of London and it has been in continuous publication ever since. It took its current name from the second volume, after the Astronomical Society of London became the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS). Until 1960 it carried the monthly notices of the RAS, at which time these were transferred to the newly established Quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society (1960–1996) and then to its successor journal Astronomy & Geophysics (since 1997). Until 1965, MNRAS was published in-house by the society; from 1965 to 2012 it was published by Blackwell Publishing (later part of Wiley-Blackwell) on behalf of the RAS. From 2013, MNRAS is published by Oxford University Press (OUP).[1]

The journal is no longer monthly, with thirty-six issues a year divided into nine volumes. The Letters section had originally appeared on pink paper in the print edition, but moved online only in the early 2000s. Print publication ceased after the April 2020 volume, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the journal becoming online-only.[5]

Content

[edit]

MNRAS publishes peer-reviewed articles on original research in astronomy and astrophysics. Two sorts of article are carried by MNRAS: papers, which can be of any length, and letters, which are published more quickly but are limited to five pages in length. Editorial control of the journal is exercised by the RAS through an editorial board of professional astronomers; since July 2012, the editor-in-chief has been David Flower (University of Durham).[6]

In 2022 MNRAS published 3441 articles, more than any other astronomy journal.[3]

Open access

[edit]

In January 2024 MNRAS became a gold open access journal, making all articles free to read online as soon as they are published, under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) licence.[2] There are no subscription fees for readers, instead the costs of publication are met by an article processing charge (APC) on the authors. As of June 2024, the APCs are £2310 for a standard article and £1100 for a letter; RAS Fellows receive a 20% discount on these fees.[7] In many cases the APCs are paid for by a read and publish agreement between the author's institution and OUP,[8] and authors based in developing countries are entitled to an APC waiver.[9] If an author is not from a developing country but is unable to pay the APC, MNRAS provides partial or full waivers on a case-by-case basis.[9]

Former policy

[edit]

Prior to 2024, MNRAS used a combination of green open access, delayed open access (36 months) and optional hybrid open access. There were no fees for authors, from the founding of the journal in 1927 until the end of 2023, with all costs of publications being met by subscriptions. Green open access was encouraged through self-archiving by authors on personal webpages, in institutional repositories, and on the arXiv preprint server. Fellows of the RAS were provided with free online access to the RAS journals as part of their membership benefits.[10]

Editors-in-chief

[edit]

The following persons have served as Editor-in-Chief (formerly titled Managing Editor or simply Editor):

Abstracting and indexing

[edit]

The journal is abstracted and indexed in:

According to the Journal Citation Reports, the journal has a 2022 impact factor of 4.8.[15]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes original research in , and related fields, including observational, theoretical, and instrumental studies. Founded in 1827 as the Monthly Notices of the Astronomical Society of London, it adopted its current name in 1831 following the society's elevation to royal status and has maintained continuous publication since its inception. As the flagship journal of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), MNRAS is recognized as one of the world's largest and most prestigious astronomy publications, featuring contributions from researchers across over 80 countries. It publishes two main article types: full-length Papers, which present complete research findings without strict page limits, and Letters, which are concise reports of significant advances requiring rapid dissemination, limited to five pages with a fast-track peer-review process. The journal appears three times monthly, totaling 36 issues per year, and covers a broad scope encompassing topics from to cosmology and . Originally edited by Richard Sheepshanks and managed by the RAS Council, the journal transitioned to professional publishing partners over time: in-house production until 1965, followed by Blackwell Publishing (later ) until 2012, and (OUP) thereafter, which handles printing and distribution on behalf of the RAS. An was formalized in 1970 to manage the growing volume of submissions, reflecting its evolution into a high-impact venue with an editorial team led by Professor David Flower. MNRAS achieved full status on January 1, 2024, with article processing charges covering publication costs, making all content freely available under a . It boasts strong metrics, including a 2024 Journal of 4.7 and a 5-year of 4.7, ranking 20th out of 84 journals in astronomy and , alongside a of 9.7. With an of 391, the journal underscores its influence through thousands of citations annually and its role in advancing key discoveries in the field.

Overview

Scope and Content

The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) is dedicated to publishing original research in astronomy and , encompassing observational, theoretical, and computational studies across a broad spectrum of topics. These include galaxies and stellar systems, cosmology and gravitation, planetary systems, , the solar system, and celestial instrumentation. The journal emphasizes advancements in understanding fundamental astronomical phenomena, such as the formation and evolution of and galaxies, the large-scale structure of the , exoplanetary dynamics, and the development of observational technologies. MNRAS publishes three primary types of contributions: Main Journal papers, Letters, and . Main Journal papers present detailed, comprehensive research findings with no strict page limits, allowing authors to fully explore complex datasets, models, and analyses while maintaining conciseness. Letters, limited to a maximum of 5 pages in the published format, are designed for the rapid dissemination of significant breakthroughs or urgent developments that warrant immediate attention within the astronomical community. Since November 2025, Letters are published within the main journal as a distinct article type, following the integration from the former separate Letters publication. All submissions undergo rigorous , with acceptance based on scientific merit, methodological soundness, clarity of presentation, and potential for . The journal targets professional astronomers, astrophysicists, and researchers worldwide, serving as a key platform for disseminating high-impact work to advance the field. Submissions are open to anyone, without restrictions on nationality, institutional affiliation, or professional qualifications, provided the work meets the journal's standards for originality and rigor. Authors are encouraged to ensure data availability and methodological transparency to support verification and further research.

Publication Format and Frequency

The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) has been published exclusively in a digital, online-only format since , marking the end of nearly two centuries of print production. This shift was accelerated by the , with the final print issue appearing as Volume 493, Issue 2. The journal is produced by (OUP) in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), ensuring high-quality digital dissemination of astronomical research. MNRAS maintains a rigorous publication schedule of nine volumes per year, each comprising four issues for a total of 36 issues annually—equivalent to three issues per month. This structure supports a high output, with the journal generating approximately 15,000 pages each year across its issues, accommodating a wide range of article lengths from standard papers to concise letters. Articles are made available online via Advance Access shortly after acceptance, enabling rapid dissemination before formal issue assignment. Historically, the journal originated in print format upon its founding in and continued this way for over 190 years, including the provision of microfiche supplements starting in to handle extended materials such as detailed data tables, charts, and appendices that exceeded standard page limits. The move toward digital integration began in the late with the introduction of online archives and electronic submissions, culminating in the complete online-only transition in 2020. Today, supplementary materials like charts, files, and are seamlessly integrated into the digital platform, enhancing accessibility without physical constraints. The journal's identifiers include the print ISSN 0035-8711 and the online ISSN 1365-2966, reflecting its dual historical and modern formats. Production adheres to professional standards, with manuscripts typeset in LaTeX using dedicated MNRAS class files to ensure consistent formatting. Every article features a structured abstract, author-supplied keywords for discoverability, and a unique Digital Object Identifier (DOI) for persistent linking and citation.

History

Founding and Early Years

The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) was established as a key publication outlet for the newly formed Astronomical Society of , with its inaugural issue dated 9 1827. Initially titled Monthly Notices of the Astronomical Society of , the journal served to disseminate prompt announcements of astronomical news and facilitate the rapid publication of short research papers, complementing the society's longer-form Memoirs. This focus aligned with the society's broader mission, founded in , to collect, reduce, and publish astronomical observations and calculations, thereby fostering a collaborative community among astronomers. The first editor was Richard Sheepshanks, a prominent early known for his contributions to astronomical instrumentation and ephemerides. Early content in the journal emphasized , including reports on celestial positions, ephemerides, and descriptions of astronomical instruments, reflecting the era's priorities in precise measurement and data sharing among members. The first volumes featured contributions on transient phenomena such as comets and eclipses, alongside advancements in design and usage, which were critical to the developing field of positional astronomy. By the early , following the society's receipt of a in 1831, the publication was renamed Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, marking its formal alignment with the elevated status of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS). This period saw steady growth, with the journal maintaining a monthly cadence from its outset to ensure timely dissemination of findings from society meetings and member communications. Throughout the 19th century, MNRAS navigated challenges inherent to early scientific , including in-house production managed directly by the , which limited resources and distribution in its nascent years. Circulation was modest, primarily serving the 's fellows and a small network of subscribers, yet the journal's commitment to brevity and accessibility allowed it to evolve gradually from concise notices toward more substantive research communications by the mid-century. Key figures like Francis Baily, an influential early secretary and president of the RAS, contributed significantly through publications on and ephemerides, underscoring the journal's role in advancing empirical astronomy during this foundational era.

Expansion and Modern Developments

In the 20th century, the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) underwent substantial expansion, reflecting the rapid advancement of astronomical research. Initially focused on observational reports, the journal increasingly incorporated theoretical following , as computational methods and insights from wartime efforts enabled deeper modeling of stellar interiors, galactic dynamics, and cosmic phenomena. This shift broadened its scope, accommodating longer, more complex papers that demanded greater page allocations; by the late 20th century, individual issues often exceeded 1,500 pages, a marked increase from the roughly 100-page notices of earlier decades. Key milestones marked the journal's adaptation to technological changes. In 1978, microfiche supplements were introduced to distribute lengthy appendices and data tables, allowing main articles to remain concise while preserving comprehensive datasets. The saw the launch of online archives, enabling digital access to back issues via platforms like the , which facilitated global dissemination. Further evolution occurred with the transition to online-only publication in 2020, ahead of schedule due to the , ending nearly two centuries of print editions. Most recently, on January 1, 2024, MNRAS adopted full , making all articles since 1827 freely available immediately upon publication to enhance equitable access worldwide. As a publication owned and overseen by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), MNRAS maintains editorial independence, with decisions guided by an expert board rather than institutional directives. In response to the digital era, the journal has enhanced support for supplementary materials, including multimedia files, interactive figures, and data hosting through repositories like , allowing authors to link datasets directly to articles for . These adaptations align with RAS policies promoting rigorous, transparent science. In recent decades, MNRAS has managed a surge in submissions, exceeding 4,000 annually by the and continuing into the , driven by expanded global research communities. The journal emphasizes diversity in authorship, supported by RAS initiatives to foster inclusive participation across genders, ethnicities, and geographies, while covering emerging topics such as exoplanet atmospheres and detections from events like GW150914. This focus ensures the journal remains at the forefront of high-impact .

Editorial Structure

Editors-in-Chief

The Editor-in-Chief of Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) provides overall editorial leadership for the journal, chairs the Editorial Board, and develops and implements a strategic vision to maintain and enhance its international reputation as a leading venue for astronomical research. This role involves appointing and overseeing editors, ensuring compliance with publication ethics and handling any disputes, encouraging high-quality submissions from the global astronomy community, and collaborating closely with the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) Editorial Office and publisher. The Editor-in-Chief also chairs regular board meetings and reports to key RAS bodies, such as the Publications Management Committee, on journal performance and policy matters. The position has evolved significantly since the journal's founding in 1827, when editorial duties were initially managed by the RAS secretaries as a form of "managing editor" role, with Richard Sheepshanks serving as the first dedicated editor. Over time, the role formalized into a professional leadership position appointed by the RAS, typically for an initial five-year term that may be renewed once, requiring candidates to demonstrate expertise in astronomy, editorial experience, and a commitment of approximately one day per week plus attendance at three to four meetings annually. Appointments involve a competitive application process, including submission of a CV and covering letter, followed by interviews conducted by an RAS selection panel. Key Editors-in-Chief in the journal's modern history include Roger Tayler (1979–1982), who helped steer the journal through a period of growing theoretical contributions during his tenure as general editor. John Shakeshaft succeeded him (circa 1982–1994), maintaining editorial oversight during an era of expanding research. Andrew C. Fabian served from 1994 to 2008, during which the journal experienced increased submission volumes and solidified its role in publishing high-impact observational and theoretical work. Robert F. Carswell held the position from 2008 to 2012, focusing on streamlining the editorial process amid rising global participation. The current , David R. Flower (2012–2026), has overseen significant developments, including the expansion of the Editorial Board from 16 to over 50 members and the journal's full transition to in 2024, enhancing accessibility while upholding rigorous standards.
Editor-in-ChiefTenureNotable Focus
Richard Sheepshanks1827–1830s (early)Initial establishment of editorial processes
Roger Tayler1979–1982Growth in theoretical content
John Shakeshaft~1982–1994Expansion in publications
Andrew C. Fabian1994–2008Increased submissions and impact
Robert F. Carswell2008–2012Process efficiency improvements
David R. Flower2012–2026Board expansion and transition

Peer Review and Editorial Process

Manuscripts are submitted electronically via the ScholarOne Manuscripts platform, with no restrictions on nationality, institutional affiliation, or qualifications of authors. Upon submission, papers undergo an initial screening by members of the to assess suitability for the journal's scope and adherence to basic standards of presentation and scientific English. This preliminary review ensures that only manuscripts aligning with the journal's focus on original research in astronomy and astrophysics proceed to full evaluation. The process employs a single-anonymous (single-blind) model, where remain anonymous to authors, but authors' identities are known to and editors. Each paper is assigned to an associate editor, a subject specialist on the , who seeks opinions from one or more expert . are typically given 21 days for main journal papers and 14 days for Letters to complete their reports, focusing on scientific validity, originality, and clarity._MNRAS.pdf) Letters are fast-tracked for rapid publication, with a median time to first decision of 25 days, compared to 33 days for main journal articles; revisions are common to address feedback. Editorial decisions—accept, revise, or reject—are made by the associate editor based on referee reports, with the providing oversight but not handling individual decisions. Rejected papers are those deemed unsuitable for publication even after potential modifications, often due to lack of novelty or methodological issues. Following , manuscripts undergo copy-editing for and style, typesetting in , and proofreading by authors to ensure accuracy. Supplementary materials, including data files, are integrated and hosted on Oxford University Press's platform to support . MNRAS adheres to the (COPE) guidelines for ethical standards, including policies against , requirements for declaring conflicts of interest, and mandates for where applicable. Investigations of ethical concerns follow COPE procedures to maintain integrity in the publication process.

Access and Indexing

Open Access Policies

Since January 1, 2024, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) has operated as a fully journal, with all articles immediately freely accessible upon publication under a Attribution (CC BY) license, allowing authors to retain while permitting broad reuse. This shift ensures that research is available without paywalls or restrictions, promoting immediate global dissemination in astronomy and related fields. Prior to 2024, MNRAS followed a hybrid model, where most content was behind a subscription , but authors could opt for immediate via the OnlineOpen program by paying an (). Under this system, green was permitted through of the accepted manuscript in repositories after a 12-month embargo period. The journal's funding now relies on APCs, set at £2,356 for standard articles in 2025, with a 20% discount (£1,885) available to (RAS) fellows. Waivers and discounts are provided for authors from low- and middle-income countries through Oxford University Press's policy aligned with Research4Life, offering 100% waivers for Group A countries (e.g., , ) and 50% discounts for Group B countries (e.g., , ). This model has eliminated subscription fees, enhancing accessibility while aligning with initiatives like and funder mandates for immediate open access. Content preservation is managed through University Press's digital infrastructure, including archiving in for long-term accessibility and redundancy against potential disruptions. This ensures perpetual availability of the journal's articles, supporting ongoing research integrity.

Abstracting and Indexing Services

The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) is indexed in several major academic databases, enhancing its discoverability for researchers in astronomy and . , maintained by , includes the journal with a Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP) of 1.188 and ranks it in the Q1 quartile for Astronomy and Astrophysics, providing comprehensive abstracting, citation tracking, and full-text access via DOIs. , operated by Clarivate Analytics, covers MNRAS in its (SCIE), where it received an of 4.7 in 2023, supporting detailed bibliometric analysis and inclusion in . The (ADS) offers full-text searchability and bibliographic records for all MNRAS publications, serving as a primary resource for the astrophysics community with links to electronic editions dating back to the journal's inception. Additional indexing services include the (DOAJ), which lists MNRAS to promote its peer-reviewed content since 2024; , enabling broad web-based discovery and citation metrics; , covering physics-related aspects for engineering and searches; and the Aerospace & High Technology Database, indexing relevant articles on space science and technology. Coverage in these services extends to abstracts, citations, and references from 1827 onward, with full-text availability through DOI resolution across platforms. This extensive indexing facilitates seamless integration with institutional repositories and supports tracking for broader impact assessment. The journal's policies further aid its prominence in directories like DOAJ, ensuring wider accessibility in global academic searches.

Impact and Recognition

Citation Metrics and Rankings

The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) maintains a strong presence in astronomical research evaluation through established citation metrics. Its 2024 Journal Impact Factor (JIF), as reported by Clarivate Analytics, stands at 4.8, reflecting the average number of citations received in 2024 to papers published in 2022 and 2023. The 5-year JIF (2024) for the same period is 4.7, providing a longer-term view of citation influence. Additionally, the journal's 2024 CiteScore from Scopus is 9.7, which measures citations over a four-year window and accounts for the volume of documents including reviews and conference papers. The h-index of 391 indicates that 391 papers have each been cited at least 391 times, underscoring the journal's cumulative impact.
MetricValue (Latest Available)Source
Journal Impact Factor (2024)4.8
5-year Impact Factor (2024)4.7
CiteScore (2024)9.7
h-index391
In terms of rankings, MNRAS holds a position of 20 out of 84 in the category according to 's , placing it in the top (Q1). The (SJR) for 2024 is 1.702, also in Q1 for the same category, with an overall global ranking of 1910th across all disciplines. These standings highlight its prestige within while reflecting its broad publication scope. Citation trends for MNRAS show fluctuations in recent years, with the JIF at 5.235 in 2021, 4.8 in 2022, 4.7 in 2023, and 4.8 in 2024, amid consistent output levels. Average citations per paper typically range from 20 to 30 over longer periods, though recent two-year averages align closer to the JIF around 4-5. The self-citation rate remains low at approximately 10%, indicating robust external recognition. With over 3,800 papers published annually in 2023, MNRAS ranks among the top five astronomy journals by volume, which influences its metrics through high throughput. While these metrics establish MNRAS's scale and impact, they are subject to limitations common in bibliometric assessments. Impact factors are often critiqued for favoring review-heavy fields over empirical ones like , potentially undervaluing quality-focused contributions. The journal prioritizes rigorous peer-reviewed research over metric optimization, emphasizing long-term scientific influence.

Notable Publications and Influence

The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) has hosted landmark papers that advanced understandings of galactic structure, particularly in the early 20th century. Harlow Shapley's systematic studies of globular clusters, including works on variable stars and magnitudes published in the journal, provided crucial evidence for the 's size and the Sun's off-center position, reshaping views of our 's scale. These contributions informed pivotal astronomical debates, such as the 1920 Great Debate between Shapley and Heber on whether the constituted the entire or merely one of many island universes, highlighting the journal's role in disseminating evidence that favored an expanding cosmos beyond the local . In modern astronomy, MNRAS has featured influential papers on black hole imaging and exoplanet discoveries. A 2015 article outlined the Event Horizon Telescope's potential for probing strong gravity near black hole event horizons, laying foundational work for subsequent observations like the 2019 M87* image and follow-up analyses of accretion physics. Similarly, the journal published the 2024 discovery of Gliese 12 b, a temperate dubbed an "exo-Venus" due to its Earth-like size and potential for volcanic activity, advancing searches for habitable worlds. These publications underscore MNRAS's ongoing influence in major discoveries, including frequent citations in refinements of the Hubble constant through supernova calibrations and cosmographic methods. Beyond specific papers, MNRAS has profoundly shaped the astronomical field by serving as a primary venue for original research that drives theoretical and observational progress. Its archives reflect contributions to interdisciplinary areas like , with studies on and interior compositions informing assessments of life potential elsewhere. As a for emerging researchers, the journal acts as a training ground, where many astronomers debut impactful work, fostering the next generation of expertise. The journal's legacy spans over 200 years of continuous publication since its founding in , establishing it as a historically pivotal outlet for astronomy's evolution from positional studies to cutting-edge . Through its ties to Astronomical , MNRAS inspires in cosmic phenomena, bridging professional research with broader engagement. Its transition to full in 2024 has further democratized knowledge, enabling global access to seminal findings without barriers.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.