The Actual Astronomy Podcast

Chris and Shane discuss their recent observing and share a listener report about observing double stars.

Chris and Shane discuss interesting deep sky objects that you can observe tonight! You can find show notes for this episode at actualastronomy.com.

Shane recently compared a 40mm Takahashi MC ortho to a 40mm Pentax kellner while observing some double stars and shares his thoughts. Chris has been doing some naked eye observing and a listener shares their observation of the zodiacal light.

Chris and Shane discuss the various options with different diagonals that are available and provide clarity on true field of view vs. apparent field of view with eyepieces.

Shane shares the reasoning for buying a TMB 25mm Ortho and Chris shares why he is thinking about buying a 40mm telescope.

Chris and Shane talk about interesting objects and events to observe in March.

Chris and Shane talk about a few different books as well as a review from a listener. Chris shares his observing log template and how to prepare to observe without having to fumble through a star atlas.

Chris and Shane provide a general overview of deep sky objects and some of the observational history.

Shane tried to split Sirius A and B during two observing sessions and observed the Lunar Wall. Chris provides an update on his Webb research project.

Chris and Shane talk about some of the best deep sky objects to observe right now!

Sirius is the brightest star in the sky. It is also a very difficult double to split. Chris and Shane discuss two listeners observations that recently observe red Sirius B.

Special guest, Dave Chapman, joins Chris and Shane to chat about telescopes and his role in making the Lunar X a popular observational target. Check out actualastronomy.com for some extra links to Dave’s Lunar X article and YouTube video on telescopes.

The weather has ruined any observing hopes during the previous week. Chris and Shane talk about some new eyepieces and a chair that Chris received as well as some gear that is on their wish lists.

Chris and Shane discuss an interesting listener observing report about testing a 25mm Starbase Kellner.

Find out what you can observe in our solar system during February. Note: We decided to swap the order of this weeks episodes after we recorded, so the episode number you hear is incorrect.

Special guest Justin Wasner joins Chris and Shane on this episode. Justin is an amateur astronomer who also has a lot of knowledge and experience regarding 3D printing. Check out actualastronomy.com to see Justin’s presentation on 3D printing that he references in this episode.

If you are looking for a new observing project, you might find some inspiration in this episode. Chris and Shane share the lists and projects that they are focusing on. More information regarding this episode can be found at www.actualastronomy.com

Chris and Shane spend the entire episode defining astronomical terms that you hear on this podcast and read in various observing guides.

Chris and Shane discuss a new location that might be a good dark sky observing site and share some tips how you can find a dark sky site near your home. A new website for Actual Astronomy is introduced as well, www.actualastronomy.com

Chris and Shane talk about some interesting deep sky objects to observe in some well placed winter constellations. Just in time for new Moon!

Shane talks about first light with his recently acquired classic telescope, the Tasco 10TE. There is also one more listener observation log that was done in a unique way.

In Episode 80, Chris and Shane were not able to discuss all of the listener observations so. This episode is a continuation of listener observations.

Chris and Shane announce the winner of the 2021 RASC Observer’s Handbook and discuss observations logs submitted by listeners.

Find out what you can observe in our solar system during January. One of the highlights is a close grouping of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury.

Chris and Shane discuss their final observations of the Great Conjunction and what gear purchases they are thinking about in 2021.

Observing double stars can be extremely rewarding. Chris and Shane discuss what you need to know to start observing double stars.

Chris and Shane compare their observations of Jupiter and Saturn as the two planets approach conjunction. The tonal colour differences surprise Chris and Shane.

On December, 21st Jupiter and Saturn will be 1/10th of 1 degree apart! This is closest that they will appear in the sky in the telescope and won’t be close than 1 degree until 2080. However, do not wait for December 21st! You should start observing them now because they are very close. More details in this episode.

Chris and Shane discuss the merits of using filters that claim to help with light pollution and find out how you can win a brand new copy of the RASC 2021 Observers Handbook.

Chris and Shane discuss a wonderful open cluster tour that goes through Taurus and Perseus. You can do this tour with binoculars or a telescope...if you have very dark skies, then all you need are your eyes!

A longtime listener, Phil, joins Chris and Shane in this episode. Phil shares his experiences with a Celestron Firstscope that he transformed into a Supermod 76!

Shane shares how he cobbled together a telescope from a bunch of spare parts and discusses an interesting observation of colour on the Moon.

Chris and Shane highlight some interesting things to observe in December, including a once in a lifetime conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn.

Chris and Shane empty out the Actual Astronomy galactic mail bag and provide answers to listener questions.

Shane was able to try the 50mm at night and Chris provides a review for the Skywatcher AZ5 mount. We are pleased to announce that we made it onto the Top 15 Astronomy Podcasts list. Check it out if you would like to discover new astronomy podcasts.

Chris and Shane discuss multiple starter telescope options. If you are thinking about buying your first telescope or gifting a telescope, this episode was made for you.

Chris and Shane talk about how effective some lower priced eyepieces are. A listener’s audio message about his experience with a new eyepiece is played and Shane shares how he has conquered the cold!

An observing guide is a great resource to help plan observing sessions. Chris and Shane share their favourite observing guides.

Chris was able to observe 7 planets in one night and Shane compares an old Zeiss telescope to a modern Takahashi.

Mercury is going to be in a favourable position in the sky for observing. Find out everything you need to know to see the planet that is closest to the sun.

Lots of excellent questions have come into the podcast that Chris and Shane answer.

There is no other object that has more detail to observe than our Moon. This episode provides observing tips and resources to help your observations.

Chris and Shane discuss lots of interesting objects to add to your November observing plan.

Chris and Shane discuss the objects to observe in Pegasus which is currently well place in the fall skies.

Chris and Shane discuss the results of recent gear comparisons that Chris performed.

Chris and Shane talk about early observations of Martian ‘canals’ and other interesting Mars observations from the past.

Chris and Shane share some of their recent observations. Chris gives his initial thoughts on his new Nikon 1.6x barlow.

Chris and Shane answer a bunch of listener astronomy questions that were emailed to the show.

On Oct 3rd, Chris and Shane had their best Mars observation of their lifetimes. Lots of details reported in this episode.

Mars is a ‘must observe’ object this month. Chris and Shane discuss this and other objects to have a look at.