The Actual Astronomy Podcast

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. 

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.