The Actual Astronomy Podcast

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.