The Actual Astronomy Podcast

Two Amateur Astronomers

Join amateur astronomers, Chris and Shane, as they share their experiences of observing the night sky.

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#248 - Observing Saturn

#248 - Observing Saturn

With opposition having just passed, Chris and Shane talk about observing Saturn.

#248 - Observing Saturn

#248 - Observing Saturn

With opposition having just passed, Chris and Shane talk about observing Saturn.

#247 - Observing Reports

#247 - Observing Reports

Chris and Shane share some of their recent observing reports.

#246 - A Short History of Burnham’s Celestial Handbook and it’s Author

#246 - A Short History of Burnham’s Celestial Handbook and it’s Author

Shane gets the day off! Chris walks through the history of the Burnham’s Celestial Handbook.

#245 - All About Binocular Mounts

#245 - All About Binocular Mounts

Some binoculars require a mount in order to provide stable views. Chris and Shane discuss the various mounting options for binoculars.

#244 - Objects to Observe in August 2022

#244 - Objects to Observe in August 2022

Chris and Shane talk about interesting objects to observe in August 2022.

#243 - Accessories for Astronomy

#243 - Accessories for Astronomy

Chris and Shane discuss some of their favourite astronomical accessories.

#242 - Observing in the Toy Box Constellations

#242 - Observing in the Toy Box Constellations

Chris and Shane talk about observing in Vulpecula, Sagitta, Delphinus, and Equuleus.

#241 - Catching Up

#241 - Catching Up

Chris and Shane get caught up. A new telescope, eyepiece, and adapters are discussed.

#240 - Observing the Sun

#240 - Observing the Sun

Chris and Shane provide everything you need to begin observing the Sun.

#239 - Observing Dark Nebula: A Beginner’s Guide

#239 - Observing Dark Nebula: A Beginner’s Guide

Chris and Shane list some excellent dark nebula to observe this summer. Show notes for this episode are found at www.actualastronomy.com

#238 - Surfing the Summer Star Clouds

#238 - Surfing the Summer Star Clouds

Chris and Shane discuss summer star clouds that are great targets to add to your observing list. Show notes for this episode are found at www.actualastronomy.com

#237 - Binocular Tour of the Summer Milky Way

#237 - Binocular Tour of the Summer Milky Way

Chris and Shane provide some objects to observe in the summer Milky Way. Show notes for this episode can be found at www.actualastronomy.com

#236 - Introduction of ‘Summer Shorts’ Episodes

#236 - Introduction of ‘Summer Shorts’ Episodes

Chris and Shane are trying something new for summer…shorter episodes focused on summer observing!

#235 - Objects to Observe in July 2022

#235 - Objects to Observe in July 2022

Chris and Shane discuss lots of great things to observe in July 2022. Show notes for the episode can be found at www.actualastronomy.com

#234 - Conversation With Special Guest Brian Ventrudo

#234 - Conversation With Special Guest Brian Ventrudo

Chris and Shane have a great conversation with Brian Ventrudo who contributes to Sky & Telescope and Sky News magazines. Check out Brian’s website www.cosmicpursuits.com

#233 - Scorpius Deep Dive

#233 - Scorpius Deep Dive

Chris and Shane discuss interesting deep sky objects to observe in Scorpius. Show notes can be found at www.actualastronomy.com

#232 - Interesting Email Exchanges

#232 - Interesting Email Exchanges

Chris and Shane discuss some interesting email exchanges with listeners.

#231 - SQM Updates and Other Odds and Ends

#231 - SQM Updates and Other Odds and Ends

Listeners provide input for using SQMs…and many other topics are discussed.

#230 - Double Stars with Blake Nancarrow

#230 - Double Stars with Blake Nancarrow

Blake Nancarrow, RASC Observing Committee Chair, joins Chris and Shane to discuss double stars and a few other things. Blake created the RASC Double Star observing program, details can be found at Check out Blake’s blog at

#229 - Another Listener Email Episode

#229 - Another Listener Email Episode

Chris and Shane read and discuss listener emails.