Dave Eicher steps into emeritus role at Astronomy magazine

Eicher takes new role as Astronomy Editor Emeritus, with Senior Editor Mark Zastrow appointed the magazine’s next Editor-in-Chief.

After 43 years with Astronomy, including 23 years as Editor-in-Chief, David J. Eicher is transitioning to a new role as the magazine’s Editor Emeritus.

Eicher is one of the most widely recognized astronomy enthusiasts in the world, and his contributions to the field are immeasurable. His passion for astronomy and science communication has been one of the driving forces behind Astronomy’s growth into the world’s most popular astronomy magazine.

Eicher will remain actively involved with Astronomy in his emeritus role, contributing stories to the magazine and producing his popular “This Week in Astronomy” video series, presented by Celestron. He will also remain involved with Astronomy special events. His final editorial letter as Editor-in-Chief will appear in the magazine’s November issue.

Says Eicher: “I look forward to this new era of Astronomy magazine and working with the talented team who will carry on with the important work of continuing the brand as the largest and most successful covering astronomy and space in the world.” 

The entire team at Astronomy thanks Eicher for his extraordinary dedication — and looks forward to his continued contributions.

Stepping into the role of Astronomy’s next Editor-in-Chief is Mark Zastrow. Zastrow has been with Astronomy as a Senior Editor since 2020. He will lead the magazine’s talented team of editors, writers, and designers in continuing to deliver trusted coverage of new research, observing guidance, and space exploration in the print edition and at Astronomy.com.

Zastrow is a trained astronomer and experienced science journalist. He holds a master’s degree in astronomy from Boston University, where he researched topics including exoplanets, the variability of M dwarfs, and the icy water plume of Enceladus. Driven by a passion for communicating science to broader audiences, he also obtained a master’s in science journalism from BU. Before joining Astronomy, he worked as a freelance science journalist based in Seoul and has written for publications including Nature and Sky & Telescope.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with Dave, and I’ve learned so much from him and the rest of our team,” said Zastrow. “I know what the magazine means to readers — many of whom, like me, grew up reading Astronomy, looking through an eyepiece, and dreaming about the cosmos. I’m looking forward to building on that legacy while finding new ways to serve our community of observers, astrophotographers, and anyone fascinated by the universe and our place in it.”