The Actual Astronomy Podcast

Chris and Shane recap some recent observing.

Chris and I Shane we’re finally able to observe together at Chris’s new site. Heear all about their great night of observing.

Shane received his Borg 50FL and talks about a short session observing Jupiter and Saturn. Chris used his new telescope cover to get some extra observing done.

Chris and Shane talk about solar system objects to observe in September.

Chris and Shane discuss observing Jupiter and Saturn.

Chris and Shane talk about some easy guide stars for the summer sky and an overview of the terrestrial planets.

Chris and Shane talk about some new some gear they have received as well as some that is on the way.

We have received some interesting observing reports and chose a few to discuss on the podcast.

Chris and Shane had some really good observing conditions and took full advantage of it! Hear the details in this episode.

Chris and was able to do some dark sky observing in Grasslands National Park and at his new site near Regina. Check out this episode for his observations.

Showing people objects through your telescope can be very rewarding. Chris and Shane talk about how they organize and conduct public observing sessions.

The smoke subsided enough for Chris to get his first observing session at his new site. Many objects were observed!

Chris and Shane discuss solar system objects and events to observe in August. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com

Chris and Shane discuss what they pack for dark sky observing.

Forest fire smoke has been reducing the observing opportunities, but Chris was able to get some observing at his new site.

Chris and Shane read some listener emails covering many different topics. One listener is building his own alt/az mount with tracking and goto capabilities!

Dave Chapman shares his unplanned observation of the gegenschein from the Winter Star Party in Florida, US.

Chris and Shane discuss the astronomer’s nemesis, light pollution!

Chris has a new observing site that has great potential and some listener emails are read.

Chris and Shane take listeners on a binocular tour of the night sky. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com

Chris shares some observations from old astronomers and how they saw the night sky.

Chris and Shane discuss solar system objects and events to observe in July. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com

Chris and Shane discuss a listener question, what are the attributes that good observers have?

Chris and Shane discuss some of the science regarding night vision as well as some tips on how to achieve and preserve your night vision.

Chris and Shane have nearly completed adding all of the parts needed to use their miniBorg 50mm telescopes. You might be surprised what a 50mm ‘finder scope’ can show!

Chris and Shane walk through how they determine what to observe in the night sky and how to use different tools to locate your object.

Chris has been making good progress on his Ophiuchus observing project, he shares details in this episode.

Shane delivers his presentation about why he enjoys using small telescopes. Download the presentation at www.actualastronomy.com to follow along.

Chris and Shane were able to get lots of observing done this past week. Hear the details in this episode.

Chris and Shane discuss solar system objects and events to observe in June.

Chris and Shane recap their observing from the past week and Chris was able to test his new configuration for the Takahashi FC100.

Special guests, Clark Muir - RASC National History Chair and Randall Rosenfeld - RASC Past National History Chair, join Chris and Shane to discuss details of observations by the first astronomers. Clark also shares his project of creating and using a Galileo telescope.

Shane talks about the advantages of binoviewers for deep sky observing and Chris shares his current project of building a DIY variable barlow.

Chris is working on an article for next year’s RASC Observer’s Handbook that lists interesting objects to observe in Ophiuchus. Hear all about it in this episode.

Shane talks about his Berlebach Castor II mount and Takahashi 32mm Abbe ortho. This episode also has a few observing reports.

Chris and Shane read and discuss recent listener emails.

Chris and Shane discuss everything from new meal options when on dark sky excursions, to updates on individual astro volunteer tasks, to observing reports…and a few other things.

Chris and Shane talk about solar objects objects and events to observe in May.

Chris and Shane talk about some recent experiences with eyepieces, tripods, and a Herschel wedge. NOTE: This episode has some audio distortion towards the end that could not be removed.

Special guest, amateur astronomer Bill Wier, joins Chris and Shane to talk about observing on the west coast of Canada with various telescopes including a 20” f/3.3 StarMaster dobsonian. Checkout the photos on www.actualastronomy.com

If you have wondered what the differences are between a UHC, O-III, or h-beta filters this episode is for you. Shane provides a brief comparison of a 9mm Televue Delite and 8.5mm Pentax XF eyepiece.

Spring is known as galaxy season. These three constellations have many galaxies that are easily visible with amateur telescopes.

Chris has received his highly anticipated tripod and Shane talks about solar and double star observing he did during the previous week.

Chris and Shane welcome Dr. Stella Kafka - CEO & Executive Director of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). Find out how to observe variable stars and learn about the numerous resources available at aavso.org.

Shane shares a horror story regarding his Takahashi 76dcu. Also hear about Chris’s attempt to observe comet C/2020 R4 ATLAS and Shane was able to observe some double stars from the RASC double star program.

If you are thinking about upgrades to your astronomy, this episode is for you. Chris and Shane share their upgrade experiences.

Shane shares a recent solar observing report and provides some tips fur purchasing your first h-alpha telescope. Chris had first light with his 50mm miniBorg and shares his observing report.

Join Chris and Shane as they discuss solar system events and objects to observe in April.

Chris purchased one of Shane’s miniBorg 50mm telescopes and is now a member of the Tiny Telescope club! Other discussion points in this episode are the different finders that are available and some observing reports.

Chris and Shane discuss where and how to buy used astronomy gear. This is a great way to acquire items that are on your wish list.