Popular Science Magazine Analysis
October 11, 2011
English 121
Magazine Analysis
Popular Science: An Analysis
Popular Science is a magazine that has been in monthly distribution since 1872 (Wikipedia). The purpose of Popular Science magazine is to entertain and inform a general audience with articles (related or pertaining) to scientific and technological discoveries and advancements: especially in green technology. Middle aged men are portrayed to be the main audience of Popular Science due to the the male-targeted advertisements such as automobiles and erectile dysfunction. I enjoy reading this magazine and have been a subscriber for the past five years.
Since Readers turn to Popular Science for entertainment and general knowledge, the magazine is limited on how in depth it can go into scientific and technological background information without confusing the reader. This magazine is intended for enjoyment to the general reader, and it shows as the articles are written in an informal tone. The headings are usually short and to the point; for example, headings like “What’s New,” “The Goods,” “FYI (For Your Information),” and “Other Stuff,” all of which are found in the table of contents in the October 2010 issue (6). Other article titles such as “Electro-Moto” on page 28 in the September 2010 issue immediately give the reader a vivid idea of what the article is about, in this case, an electric motorcycle. This allows for the reader to quickly and easily understand the context of the articles. This keeps the general reader interested and allows for informative articles without too much technical detail.
Many of the articles in Popular Science cover new discoveries in science and technology. One such article is “Life on Mars, Reborn” found on in the September 2010 issue (31). This article describes the possible discovery of life on a meteorite from the planet Mars. A team of researchers had studied the meteorite and found traces of microscopic bacteria in it (31). This topic would
English 121
Magazine Analysis
Popular Science: An Analysis
Popular Science is a magazine that has been in monthly distribution since 1872 (Wikipedia). The purpose of Popular Science magazine is to entertain and inform a general audience with articles (related or pertaining) to scientific and technological discoveries and advancements: especially in green technology. Middle aged men are portrayed to be the main audience of Popular Science due to the the male-targeted advertisements such as automobiles and erectile dysfunction. I enjoy reading this magazine and have been a subscriber for the past five years.
Since Readers turn to Popular Science for entertainment and general knowledge, the magazine is limited on how in depth it can go into scientific and technological background information without confusing the reader. This magazine is intended for enjoyment to the general reader, and it shows as the articles are written in an informal tone. The headings are usually short and to the point; for example, headings like “What’s New,” “The Goods,” “FYI (For Your Information),” and “Other Stuff,” all of which are found in the table of contents in the October 2010 issue (6). Other article titles such as “Electro-Moto” on page 28 in the September 2010 issue immediately give the reader a vivid idea of what the article is about, in this case, an electric motorcycle. This allows for the reader to quickly and easily understand the context of the articles. This keeps the general reader interested and allows for informative articles without too much technical detail.
Many of the articles in Popular Science cover new discoveries in science and technology. One such article is “Life on Mars, Reborn” found on in the September 2010 issue (31). This article describes the possible discovery of life on a meteorite from the planet Mars. A team of researchers had studied the meteorite and found traces of microscopic bacteria in it (31). This topic would
Cited: Boston Medical Group. "Erectile Dysfunction." Erectile Dysfunction. Los Angeles Times Newspaper. Web. 9 Oct. 2011. . Carey, Bjorn. "Greener Bacon." Popular Science Oct. 2010: 32. Web. "Contents." Popular Science Oct. 2010: 6. Web. Daley, Jason. "Life On Mars, Reborn." Popular Science Sept. 2010: 31-33. Web. "Environmental Technology." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 09 Oct. 2011. . Ford. Advertisement. Popular Science Sept. 2010: 31. Print. Iozzio, Corinne. "Clean the Slate." Popular Science Aug. 2010: 28. Web. Mannino, Barbara. "Survey Suggests Men Love Their Cars More Than Their Health | Fox Business." Fox Business | Business News & Stock Quotes - Saving & Investing. Web. 09 Oct. 2011. . "Popular Science." Popular Science. Wikipedia. Web. 09 Oct. 2011. . Siler, Wes. "Electro Moto." Popular Science Sept. 2010: 28. Web. Sommer Et Al. "The Future of The Environment." Popular Science Aug. 2010: 43-63. Web. Viagra. Advertisement. Popular Science Sept. 2010: 7. Print. Zapana, Victor. "Megapixels." Popular Science Oct. 2010: 12-13. Web.