Ay 31
Writing in Astronomy
Spring 2017
Instructor: Anneila Sargent
Class Meetings: Cahill 211
Fridays 1 - 2pm
04/14/17
Selected: format, topic, mentor
As a result, style and structure of writing constrained
Will it be “scientific writing” or “science writing”?
Scientific Writing: audience = peers, other scientists
reporting on studies, findings
organized in a formal way to present facts
specific formats may be imposed by publisher
Science Writing: more general audience, less technical
organized to provide background and context
clarity may require every-day analogies
Example styles: Michelle Obama; George Whitesides
04/14/17
What next?
Last class: a parallel between the scientific process and
the process of scientific writing → it’s a success if your
readers understand what you are trying to say
Alley adds: styles of scientific writing constrained by
audience, format, mechanics,
politics
•
mechanics
= grammar, punctuation
•
format
should effect efficient communication
convey greatest amount of information in least amount of time
place important details so that they stand out
•
placement
essentially defines “structure” of the writing
[styles of different journals = different ways to achieve]
practice, practice, practice
Overcoming impediments to communication
• Hoffman Fig1.1: audience most disturbed by errors in
paragraph structure, even more by unhappy paragraph
location; relatively forgiving about misuse of words,
misplacement of words or sentences, and unfortunate
sentence structure.
• An outline goes a long way to prevent these problems
• Hoffman Fig 1.2 lists common errors to avoid. For me,
most annoying are: long sentences, redundancy, faulty
verb tense, imprecise word use, and “faulty structural
elements”* most annoying
[*key components of sentences misplaced; key paragraphs
misplaced; main point of paragraph obscured]
Repeated drafts help correct these errors
04/14/17
Structure: The Outline (1)
Title Summary Introduction Sections Conclusions
(Abstract)
Equivalent to mapping out your paper or article
Title:
• Identifies field, narrows topic; should encourage curiosity
• Should be short and to the point (precise)
(field + detail) or (detail + field); limit details
• Should convey the essence of what is being presented
(especially if federal funds are involved)
(Examples: Alley Chapter 2)
04/14/17
Structure: The Outline (2)
Summary/Abstract:
Style component - descriptive or informative
In scientific papers, put information you want to communicate right up
front – essentially a synopsis of the work. Most easily written after
the rest of paper
Entices the reader to go further but also a road map of the paper –
how you have structured your message; what to expect as you read.
First sentence can echo title but follow with something about the
details and a chronology of what happens as reader moves through
document.
For popular articles, more descriptive, may be just a couple of
sentences – to stimulate interest. Good idea to write a descriptive
summary first.
For both, a summary of significant points – no needless information
Structure: The Outline (3)
Introduction (beginning)
a) Background
b) What exactly is being discussed (the research)?
c) Why is it important?
d) How will it be presented?
Sections and Subsections (middle)
Should flow naturally from summary of how work will be presented
Often a chronological process; how we got the observations/data,
how we used it, what it told us.
Conclusions (ending)
Summary of results and a nod to future prospects; bring together
loose ends
04/14/17
For next week
– Discuss topic and format with your scientific mentor
– Discuss background literature searches with mentors
– Which journal will you write for?
– Obtain “Instructions to Authors” for that journal and plan to
follow them. Compare with recently published articles in
these journals – scientific mentors can also be helpful here
– Begin literature searches on your topic.
– Write an Outline that includes a planned arrangement of
material and decisions about Sections
– Read Hofmann Chapter 17, Alley Chapter 2
– Contact me with any concerns
04/14/17
Audiences for Astronomical Writing
The Astrophysical Journal: Foremost research journal in world for astronomy &
astrophysics. Many classic discoveries of 20
th
century reported here as well as much
of recent important work on quasars, pulsars, neutron stars, black holes, X-rays,
extra-solar planets.
The Astronomical Journal: Founded in 1849, publishes original astronomical
research, emphasizing significant scientific results from observations
Science: A weekly, peer reviewed journal of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science. Publishes significant original scientific research plus
reviews and analyses of current research and science policy. Reaches a world-wide
audience of more than 1 million through print and on-line editions.
Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific: Publishes original
research but also speaks to talented amateur astronomers. Some notable reviews
Sky and Telescope: Premier showcase for lively, authoritative, well-illustrated
information about astronomy and is especially directed towards a broader than
academic astronomy audience – ranges from armchair astronomers to professionals.
Astronomy: Monthly science magazine with wide range of readers interested
astronomy but not formally schooled in it.
Scientific American: Like Astronomy but with broader scope.
4/14/17
Tentative Schedule (1) Updated
Week 1 April 7 Introductory Meeting
Week 2 April 14 In-class discussion:
Formats, topics, mentors.
Basics of scientific writing
Week 3 April 21 During week, meet with
instructor to finalize decisions on format, topic,
local mentor, outline. Outlines due April 21.
In-class-discussion: writing first draft
Week 4 April 28 Guest Lecture? meet with
instructor/mentor to discuss progress
04/14/17
Tentative Schedule (2) Updated
Week 5 May 5 May 1: First draft due; meet with
instructor during week
Week 6 May 12 NO CLASS; work on second draft
Week 7 May 19 Peer discussion of second drafts?
Week 8 May 26 During week meet mentor and
instructor one-on-one.
Week 9 June 2 Assignments due: NO CLASS;
during week, polish final version
04/14/17