The Actual Astronomy Podcast

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.

Chris shares his observations of Comet NEOWISE, Jupiter, and Saturn while at Grasslands National Park. While you are observing Comet NEOWISE, you may notice increased meteor activity. This is due to some upcoming meteor showers that Chris and Shane talk about.

Chris and Shane are excited for one of their many voyages to Grasslands National Park to do some observing under the darkest skies in Canada. Find out how they prepare and what they plan to observe. The next couple of podcasts might come out later than usual due to this observing trip.

Chris and Shane share some recent observations of bright Comet NEOWISE. Chris provides an update on how his 80mm telescope performed after Shane did some work to improve the views. 

Great comets are rare and must be observed when they appear. Over the last few days, comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE has reached naked eye brightness! This is a special edition podcast to provide our listeners everything they need to observe the comet. 

Many people have never seen the Milky Way. Chris and Shane describe what it looks like and how to observe it. Timing is impeccable because summer is the best time to see the Milky Way. The podcast ends with tips on how to find dark skies near you.

We are slowly getting out of perpetual twilight! Chris and Shane talk about their recent observations of Jupiter, Saturn, the Moon, and more sightings of noctilucent clouds. Plus get an update on comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE.

This might be the easiest month to find the planets in the night sky. Chris and Shane will also talk about July being the best month to observe Jupiter and Saturn. Oh yeah, we might also be treated to a fairly bright comet!

Chris and Shane share some recent observations from their backyards.

Sometimes the weather conspires against amateur astronomers by delivering cloudy skies. Chris and Shane discuss their favorite astronomy books and websites that are perfect cloudy night pastimes. 

Have you heard of the Summer Triangle? Chris and Shane will tell you what this is and talk about some spectacular objects to observe in a few small constellations.

The beautiful astronomy photos that you see in magazines often require a lot of time and expensive gear. In this episode, Chris and Shane talk about how you can easily capture amazing astro photos with your phone or a DSLR style camera!

Chris and Shane describe a recent noctilucent cloud observation and talk about some solar system objects that will be observable during the next two weeks.

Learn about the 4 gaseous planets in our solar system. Chris and Shane give tips on how to observe these planets.

Chris and Shane share recent observations of the Sun, Mercury, and our Moon. Noctilucent cloud season is upon us, find out what this phenomena is and how to observe it.

Exit pupil is another approach that can be used to determine which eyepieces match your telescope. Never heard of exit pupil? Do not worry, Chris and Shane explain this concept.