The Actual Astronomy Podcast

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.

Chris and Shane welcome observing friend Kathleen as the first guest appearance on the podcast. Kathleen shares her thoughts on sketching observations and other aspects of amateur astronomy.

Chris and Shane have been observing the nigh sky for a long time. Hear about their most memorable observations. You may want to add some of these to your observing lists.

Dark sky observing plans were scuttled due to wild fire smoke, however Chris was still able to view Mars on a couple of different nights.

Every two years, Mars becomes an interesting telescopic object to observe due to it's close proximity to Earth. 2020 happens to be one of the close approaches, in fact this will be the closest Mars is to Earth until 2034!

For the first time this year, Chris and Shane meet up to observe under a relatively dark sky. Listen to hear the observations of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, various clusters, and an excellent double star in Andromeda.

Chris and Shane provide some astronomical history of the Andromeda constellation and list many interesting objects to observe within it.

Chris finally got the mount he has been wanting and tells us the pros and cons. Shane decided he does not like the Masuyama 35mm, find out why.

Chris continues to log pre-sunrise observations and Shane tests a recently acquired 35mm Masuyama eyepiece. There are lots of planetary observations to hear about.

Find out which objects to observe in September and find out how you observe the winter constellations without having to endure the cold temperatures.

Adding a barlow to your kit is a great way to double your eyepiece collection. Chris and Shane discuss the pros and cons of barlows as well as an overview on different mounts the are available to astronomers.

After a quick shout out to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Chris and Shane talk about recent observations of the Sun, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Chris is thinking building an observatory at a dark site. Shane shares all of his learnings of owning a backyard observatory. If you have ever thought about building an observatory, this episode is for you!

Chris and Shane talk about different techniques to see the last little bit of planetary detail and share recent observations of Jupiter, Venus, and Mars.

We are in the middle of the Perseid meteor shower, this episode will tell you everything you need to observe it. Also find out about the Summer Triangle in the sky!

Chris and Shane discuss some new gear purchases and filter use during planetary observing.

Chris and Shane discuss the history of Scorpius and some of the best objects to observe in the constellation.

The weather has been good for astronomy which means Chris and Shane have lots to share!

Wondering what you can observe in August? Chris and Shane will tell you about the planets, Moon, and the best warm weather meteor shower.

Chris and Shane share observations of fading Comet NEOWISE. As NEOWISE disappears, Chris and Shane resume their focus on the planets and share some recent observations.