Starting January 1st, 2022, the full journal portfolio of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) are now completely open access. The journals include the Astronomical Journal (AJ), the Astrophysical journal (ApJ), Astrophysical Journal Letters (ApJL), and the Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series (ApJS). The Planetary Science Journal is not affected by this transition as it is already open access. These journals consistently feature some of the most read and highest impact scientific research results in the astronomical sciences. The AAS views this transition to open access as directly impacting the quality of scientific research, as stated by Editor in Chief, Ethan Vishniac, “Science works best when it is as transparent and as accessible as possible.” They also view this move as supporting their diversity, equity, and inclusion work in the astronomical community, as referenced in the following statement from their press release.
“The transition to OA will allow everyone to access this high-quality and trusted research, and it will offer scientists low-cost fully OA options for publishing their research in astronomy and related disciplines. The new publishing policy aligns with ongoing efforts by the Society to center diversity, equity, and inclusion in its work within the astronomical community.”
Read the full press release here: https://aas.org/press/aas-journals-open-access