《天文学杂志》出版了最初的天文学研究，重点是从观测中得出的重要科学结果。AJ的出版物包括数据采集、调查、分析技术、天文解释、仪器、软件和计算的描述。
The Astronomical Journal publishes original astronomical research, with an emphasis on significant scientific results derived from observations. Publications in AJ include descriptions of data capture, surveys, analysis techniques, astronomical interpretation, instrumentation, and software and computing.