In April 2021, the AAS adopted a new name-change policy for its research journals. The policy covers changes to names, pronouns, author photographs, and contact details. People change their name for a variety of reasons, including gender identity, marriage, divorce, or a change in religion. In many cases, particularly for trans and non-binary authors, changing names needs to be approached with discretion and sensitivity. Respecting authors’ right to privacy is a key tenet, with assurance of full confidentiality and the option to change a name with or without a public notice. The new policy offers a simple and seamless approach, with no requirement to disclose the reason for the request nor the need to provide proof of a legal name change.
To request a name change in the Astronomical Journal, Astrophysical Journal, Astrophysical Journal Letters, Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, Planetary Science Journal, or Research Notes of the AAS, please complete this form.
What does this mean in practical terms?
AAS will honor requests by updating the following:
a. Metadata for all content, current and legacy (print edition scans prior to 1995 hosted at ADS)
b. HTML only for 1995-2007
c. HTML and PDF for 2007 going forward
We offer the following advice for authors who change their names in AAS journals: Make sure that you are registered with ORCID, as your unique ORCID number will identify you independent of your name.
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) have partnered with IOP Publishing to create an exciting new collection of astronomy and astrophysics ebooks to further the AAS mission: "to enhance and share humanity's scientific understanding of the universe."
In keeping with our mission, the entire AAS journals portfolio was made freely accessible as of 1 January 2022. Read more.
