Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The *Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics* (abbreviated *ANNU REV ASTRON ASTR*, ISSN 0066-4146) stands as one of the most authoritative and prestigious journals in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. Published by Annual Reviews, this journal is exclusively dedicated to comprehensive review articles, rather than original research papers. Its scope encompasses the full breadth of astronomical science, including stellar and galactic evolution, cosmology, planetary science, high-energy astrophysics, instrumentation, and theoretical astrophysics. Each volume features in-depth, critical syntheses of recent developments, written by leading experts, which provide researchers with a thorough understanding of current knowledge and future directions in a given subfield. The target audience is primarily professional astronomers, astrophysicists, and advanced graduate students who require authoritative and up-to-date overviews to guide their research and teaching. Notably, the journal does not routinely offer open access, though individual articles may be made open access by authors or institutions. With an extraordinary 2026 Impact Factor of 37.300, the *Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics* consistently ranks in the top tier of its category, firmly placed in the JCR Q1 quartile. This outstanding impact factor reflects its unparalleled reputation and influence, making it an essential resource for any serious researcher seeking a high-level, curated perspective on the most significant advances in astronomy and astrophysics.