A wide variety of PDF Science magazines for free, download. Includes pdf science magazines for students. Many have current issues, some are archives.
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Table of contents
Free Science Magazines
Astronomy – Science Magazine for Students PDF
Astronomy Magazine Website
1995-2016
Waukesha, WI – Kalmbach
A monthly, founded in 1973 in Wisconsin by amateur astronomer Stephen A. Walther. The magazine targets amateur astronomers, and contains columns on sky viewing, reader-submitted astrophotographs, and articles on astronomy and astrophysics for general readers. – Wikipedia.
See the Menu at the top of every page for Directories of Free Online Fiction and NonFiction Books, Magazines, and more, on 400 pages like this at Century Past
Scientific American
Magazine Website
Vol 2 (1846)- Vol 137 (1927) (Hathitrust)
1845-1909 (Internet Archive)
New York
“As the oldest continuously published magazine in the country, Scientific American magazine has been reporting on the latest breakthroughs in all areas of science since 1845. Respected and influential, it is known for making cutting-edge information accessible to the educated reader. From the latest in alternative energy technology to groundbreaking medical advances, the magazine explores and explains innovative developments, including what they mean to you.” – Scientific American Magazine.
Discover Society – Science Magazine PDF Free Download
Discover Society Magazine Website
UK: Social Research Publications
“Discover Society magazine is published by Social Research Publications, a not-for-profit collaboration between sociology and social policy academics and publishers at Policy Press to promote the publication of social research, commentary and policy analysis.” – Website About page. This is a free online “magazine”. All previous articles from 2013 to the present are available.
The Edge Magazine
The Edge Magazine Website
John Brockman
This is a free online magazine. “Edge.org was launched in 1996 as the online version of “The Reality Club” and as a living document on the Web to display the activities of “The Third Culture.” The Reality Club was an informal gathering of intellectuals who met from 1981 to 1996. The motto of the Club was, “To arrive at the edge of the world’s knowledge, seek out the most complex and sophisticated minds, put them in a room together, and have them ask each other the questions they are asking themselves.” The third culture consists of those scientists and other thinkers in the empirical world who, through their work and expository writing, are taking the place of the traditional intellectual in rendering visible the deeper meanings of our lives, redefining who and what we are.” – Website ‘About’ page. The Edge Magazine.
See our Life Science Books PDF
Facts.net Magazine – Science Magazine for Students PDF
Facts.net Magazine Website
New York
A free online “magazine”. “Since 1997, Facts.net is the biggest online facts collection site, an ever-growing knowledge base for the world’s most random and interesting facts. We have thousands of facts about nearly anything you could think of. With an affinity for research, we’re always looking at what’s happening now, what’s changing, and what’s emerging in the future.” -Website.
Hundreds of illustrated articles, arranged into broad categories such as Lifestyle, History, Nature, World, and Science, with many more subcategories. Almost every conceivable interest is covered.
How It Works – Science Magazine for Students PDF
How It Works Magazine Website
2014
UK
“How It Works’ expert explanations, dynamic cutaways and breathtaking images help its eager audience to understand and explore the wonders of the modern world. Making complex topics accessible for readers of all ages, How It Works stands for clarity, authority, intelligence and knowledge.” – How it Works website. Popular science magazine free download.
Articles Collection – the History of Science & Technology
Inspire Magazine
Research Australia Website
2016 – Present
Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia: Research Australia
“INSPIRE magazine is a free quarterly publication put together by Research Australia which explores exciting health and medical research projects / initiatives from around Australia.” – Publisher. Science magazine pdf free download.
Inspirezine
Inspirezine Website
Issues 2018 – Present
Ottawa Canada: Better than Pi
A magazine that merges art and science. Each issue explores a singular topic from both an artistic and scientific viewpoint.
See our Books on Mathematics
Issues in Science and Technology
Issues in Science and Technology Website
1996-2021 Archives
Phoenix, Arizona: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, and Arizona State U.
This quarterly journal … “is a forum for discussion of public policy related to science and technology. Our concerns encompass a broad range of themes and perspectives related to the ways that societies seek to advance knowledge and innovation to achieve social goals. Our audience is everyone involved or interested in this effort.” – Science Daily Website. The archived issues appear to be freely available.
See our Technology magazines
Knowable Magazine
Knowable Magazine Website
Palo Alto, California: Annual Reviews
Free online digital magazine. “Knowable Magazine explores the real-world significance of scholarly work through a journalistic lens. We report on the current state of play across a wide variety of fields — from agriculture to high-energy physics; biochemistry to water security; the origins of the universe to psychology. Review articles written by leading scholars from the 50 Annual Reviews journals serve as springboards for stories in Knowable Magazine.” – Knowable website.
See our Physical Sciences books
NASA Spaceport Magazine
NASA Spaceport Magazine Website
2014 – Present
U.S.: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
“Spaceport Magazine is a monthly NASA publication that serves Kennedy Space Center employees and the American public. The magazine’s wide topic variety mirrors Kennedy’s diverse spaceport operations. From launch processing to center development and employee stories, Spaceport Magazine covers it all.” – Website.
National Geographic – Science Magazine for Students PDF
National Geographic Magazine Website
Magazines 1888-2007 – With Index
Washington DC: National Geographic
““National Geographic Magazine, the flagship magazine of the National Geographic Society, chronicles exploration and adventure, as well as changes that impact life on Earth. Editorial coverage encompasses people and places of the world, with an emphasis on human involvement in a changing universe. Major topics include culture, nature, geography, ecology, science and technology.” – National Geographic Magazine. Magazine from 1800s to 2007. Nat Geo back issues. Science magazine pdf free download.
Articles Collection – the History of Medicine
New Scientist – Science Magazine PDF Free Download
New Scientist Magazine Website
2015-2016
London, UK
“New Scientist magazine was launched in 1956 “for all those men and women who are interested in scientific discovery, and in its industrial, commercial and social consequences”. The brand’s mission is no different today – for its consumers, New Scientist reports, explores and interprets the results of human endeavour set in the context of society and culture.” – New Scientist Magazine.
See our webpage of Aviation & Space Flight books
Perth Observatory Newsletter
Perth Observatory Website
2019 – Present
Kalamunda, WA, Australia: Perth Observatory
“The Perth Observatory is Western Australia’s oldest observatory which is located 35 km east of Perth in Bickley. The Observatory has served WA for over 120 years and remains actively involved in the service of public education through Day Tours for schools and Night Sky Tours for the public.” – Website.
See our webpage of Social Sciences books
Physics Today
Physics Today Website
All Issues 1948-Present
College Park, Maryland: American Center for Physics
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Physics Today is providing complimentary access to its entire 73-year archive to readers who register.”
“Physics Today, the flagship publication of the American Institute of Physics, is the most influential and closely followed physics magazine in the world.” Physics Today website. Science magazine pdf free download.
See our free Radio Drama PDF collection
Popular Science Magazine PDF – Popular Science Magazine PDF
Popular Science Magazine Website
Popular Science Magazine Free Download PDF – 1872-2009
Some issues from 2015 & Various Years
U.S.
“Popular Science magazine is one of the nation’s oldest and most influential magazines on trends in the scientific world. It provides a way for you to stay updated on the newest technology, inventions, and theories that affect our world today. Popular Science magazine also has many practical and insightful news stories that every household can use.” – Popular Science Magazine PDF.
Rocket STEM
Rocket STEM Magazine Website
2013-2015
Pensacola, Florida: RocketSTEM Media Foundation
All issues appear to be available free on the website. “RocketSTEM Media Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization established for the purpose of fostering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education throughout countries of planet Earth via the promotion of the wonders of space exploration. Our first project is the publication of a RocketSTEM magazine with content geared towards teachers, students and parents as well. The publication blends space history – past, present and future – with interviews, astronomy lessons, aerospace and astronomy news, museum features, NASA technology spinoffs, and educational resources; along with explanations of the mathematics and physics of all things to do with space travel.” – Publisher. Rocket STEM Magazine.
Science – AAAS Science Magazine Online Free – Science Magazine for Students PDF
Science Magazine Website
Current Issue
1880-2021
Washington, D.C.: American Association for the Advancement of Science
“The Science family of journals is published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s oldest and largest general science organization. A voice for science and scientists everywhere, AAAS fulfills its mission to “advance science and serve society” by communicating the value of science to the public, helping governments formulate science policy, promoting advancements in science education and diversity, and helping scientists develop their careers.” – AAAS.
Science Advances – Science Magazine PDF Free Download
Science Advances Magazine Website
Current Issue
2015-2021
Washington, D.C.: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Open Access journal from AAAS. “The Science family of journals is published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s oldest and largest general science organization. A voice for science and scientists everywhere, AAAS fulfills its mission to “advance science and serve society” by communicating the value of science to the public, helping governments formulate science policy, promoting advancements in science education and diversity, and helping scientists develop their careers.” – AAAS.
See our collection of Medical Books
Science Daily
Science Daily Magazine Website
Rockville, MD: Science Daily
Free online website. “ScienceDaily features breaking news about the latest discoveries in science, health, the environment, technology, and more — from leading universities, scientific journals, and research organizations. Visitors can browse more than 500 individual topics, grouped into 12 main sections (listed under the top navigational menu), covering: the medical sciences and health; physical sciences and technology; biological sciences and the environment; and social sciences, business and education.” – Website ‘About’ page. Science Daily Magazine. Science magazine pdf free download.
See our webpage of Environmental and Nature magazines
Science News
Science News Magazine Website
2011-2014(?)
1922-1961 at Internet Archive (Black & White)
Washington, D.C.: Soc for Science & the Public
“Science News, published by the nonprofit Society for Science & the Public, offers concise, comprehensive coverage of the latest in science.” – Publisher.
Search for Books on the Internet Archive
Scientific American Magazine PDF – Scientific American Magazine PDF
Scientific American Magazine Website
Scientific American Magazine PDF – 1846-1922 (Hathitrust)
Scientific American Magazine PDF – 1845-1909 (Internet Archive)
New York
“As the oldest continuously published magazine in the country, Scientific American magazine pdf has been reporting on the latest breakthroughs in all areas of science since 1845. Respected and influential, it is known for making cutting-edge information accessible to the educated reader. From the latest in alternative energy technology to groundbreaking medical advances, the magazine explores and explains innovative developments, including what they mean to you.” – Scientific American Magazine PDF.
See our Higher Education Books
Skeptical Inquirer: The Magazine for Science and Reason
Skeptical Inquirer Current Digital Issue
Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
“Serves the public and news media, providing access to facts regarding the scientific investigation of claims of the paranormal from a skeptical point-of-view, enabling readers to separate fact from myth in the flood of occultism and pseudoscientific theories presented in today’s culture.” – Skeptical Inquirer Magazine.
Sky’s Up Global Astronomy Magazine – Science Magazine PDF Free Download
Sky’s Up Global Astronomy Magazine Website
Issues 2015 – Present
Springdale, Arizona: AstronomyOutreach
“This magazine is a great resource for teachers, students, parents and anyone interested in learning more about what’s happening in the sky. Each issue features a STEM activity, regular columns by well-known astronomers on topics ranging from stargazing to astrobiology.” – Publisher. Science magazine pdf free download.
See our webpage of Engineering Books
Smithsonian Insider –
Smithsonian Insider Magazine Website
Washington, DC: Smithsonian
Free online magazine. “Every day, Smithsonian experts look through the lenses of art, history, science and culture to examine many of the world’s most intriguing and complex topics. Smithsonian Insider takes you beyond the bricks and mortar of the Smithsonian’s 19 museums and 9 research centers, to share with you the astounding and diverse work being conducted by the Smithsonian around the world.” – Website ‘About’ page.
See our Encyclopedia Britannica (32 book set) pdf free download
Library Research Guide (LibGuide) – Astronomy
This research guide from the librarians at Suffolk County NY Public Libraries has links to a variety of resources related to Astronomy.
Websites of More Science Magazines
Websites of More Science Magazines
Free online versions of these science magazines are not available, but their websites feature articles of interest.
American Scientist – Science Magazines PDF Free Download
Astronomy Now
See our Sailing PDF books
Cosmos
Nautilus – Science Magazines PDF Free Download
Nature Geoscience – Science Magazine PDF Free Download
Geographical
Physics Today
Quanta Magazine
Science Illustrated – Science Magazines PDF Free Download
Sky & Telescope
Smithsonian Magazine – Science Magazine PDF Free Download
Space.com – Science Magazines PDF Free Download
Wired
American Anthropologist
ESO: European Southern Observatory
BBC Sky at Night – Science Magazines PDF Free Download
Space News
Biology Open
Chemical & Engineering News – Science Magazine PDF Free Download
Chemistry World
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Collected History of Science Articles
Articles on the History of Science and Technology
A collection of links here at Century Past to articles in leading magazines and newspapers related to the history of science and technology.