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The Actual Astronomy Podcast

by Shane Ludtke & Chris Beckett

Science

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

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Oct 26, 2026. Source feed.

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Episodes

  1. #558 - Observer’s Calendar for November 2026

    Chris and Shane talk about interesting things to observe in November 2026.

  2. #557 - 12 Months of Messier October Edition

    Chris and Shane discuss Messier objects to observe in October.

  3. #556 - Listener Emails

    Chris and Shane respond to listener emails.

  4. #555 - Saturn at Opposition

    Chris and Shane talk about observing Saturn at opposition.

  5. #554 - Clear Skies Astro Hopper with Steven Rosenthal

    Chris and Shane welcome special guest Steve Rosenthal to discuss the Astro Hopper.

  6. #553 - Observer’s Calendar for October 2026

    Chris and SHane talk about interesting things to observe in October 2026.

  7. #552 - Top 10 Techniques for Buying Used Gear

    Chris and Shane share tips for buying used astronomy gear.

  8. #551 - 12 Months of Messier September Edition

    Chris and Shane discuss well placed Messier objects to observe in September.

  9. #550 - Sketching the Night Sky for the Average Observer

    Chris shares a recent presentation he delivered that introduces sketching to observers.

  10. #549 - The Observer’s Calendar for September 2026

    Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in September 2026.

  11. #548 - Visual Astronomy in Draco

    Chris and Shane talk about various objects to observe in Draco.

  12. #547 - 12 Months of Messier August Edition

    Chris and Shane identify key Messier objects to observe in August.

  13. #546 - Planning Dark Sky Trips

    Chris and Shane share thoughts on how to have a successful dark sky trip.

  14. #545 - Observer’s Calendar for August 2026

    Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in August 2026. Show notes are available on www.actualastronomy.com

  15. #544 - 7” Achro Attempts at Correcting Chromatic Aberration

    Chris and Shane discuss different ways to reduce chromatic aberration in achromatic refractors.

  16. #543 - 3D Printing and Astronomy

    Chris and Shane discuss 3D printing and how it can enhance your observing.

  17. #542 - 12 Months of Messier July Edition

    Chris and Shane discuss well placed Messier objects to observe in July.

  18. #541 - Observer’s Calendar for July 2026

    Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in July 2026.

  19. #540 - 12 Month of Messier June Edition

    Chris and Shane discuss some Messier objects to observe in June.

  20. #539 - David Nagler Answers Listener Questions

    Chris and Shane welcome David Nagler from Televue to the show to answer listener questions.

  21. #538 - Listener Emails

    Chris and Shane get caught up and read listener emails.

  22. #537 - Observer’s Calendar for June 2026

    Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in June 2026.

  23. #536 - Observing While the Moon is Up

    Chris and Shane talk about what they like to observe when the Moon is up.

  24. #535 - 12 Months of Messier May

    Chris and Shane discuss the well positioned Messier objects to observe in May. Show notes available on www.actualastronomy.com

  25. #534 - Telescope Powers

    Chris and Shane talk about the magnification power that they like to use when observing.

  26. #533 - The Observer’s Calendar for May 2026

    Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in May 2026. Show notes are available on www.actualastronomy.com

  27. #532 - Spring Galaxy Hunting and Listener Emails

    Chris and Shane read some listener emails and then discuss observing galaxies in the spring.

  28. #531 - 12 Months of Messier April Edition

    Chris and Shane discuss the best Messier objects to observe in April. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com

  29. #530 - Tele Vue in June & Chris Sends a Prized Possession to a Listener

    Chris and Shane catch on recent astronomy gear, observing, and announce the David Nagler will be appearing on the podcast in June.

  30. #529 - A Listener Builds His Dream Observatory

    Chris and Shane welcome Kevin Duchscherer to discuss his observatory build.

  31. #528 - The Observer’s Calendar for April 2026

    Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in April 2026. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com

  32. #527 - A Reflection Nebula Filter?

    Chris and Shane welcome Mike O’Brien back to the show to discuss a recent observing session and a test of a filter for visually observing reflection nebula.

  33. #526 - 12 Months of Messier - March Edition

    Chris and Shane discuss the prominent Messier objects to observe in March. Show notes are available on www.acutalastronomy.com

  34. #525 - Dumb Things We Have Done at the Telescope

    Chris and Shane talk about some of the silly things they have done while observing.

  35. #524 - The Observer’s Calendar for March 2026

    Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in March 2026. Show notes can be found on www.actualastronomy.com

  36. #523 - 12 Months of Messier February Edition

    Chris and Shane discuss the Messier objects to observe in February. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com

  37. #522 - Owning 20+ Telescopes with Richard Navarette

    Chris and Shane welcome Richard Navarette to the show to discuss his journey with amateur astronomy.

  38. #521 - Listener Emails

    Chris and Shane read and respond to listener emails.

  39. #520 - The Observer’s Calendar for February 2026

    Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in February 2026. Show notes are available on www.actualastronomy.com

  40. #519 - OzSky with Clint Reading

    Chris and Shane welcome long time listener Clint Reading to the show to discuss OzSky.

  41. #518 - 12 Months of Messier Month 1

    Chris and Shane are starting a new monthly series that will ID the key Messier objects to observe. Follow this to observe all 110 Messier objects this year. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com

  42. #517 - Navigating the Night Sky

    Chris and Shane discuss how they navigate the night sky and the tools that make finding objects easier.

  43. #516 - The Observer’s Calendar for January 2026

    Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in January 2026. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com

  44. #515 - PiFinder with Richard Wolf-Jacobson

    Chris and Shane welcome PiFinder creator Richard Wolf-Jacobson to the show. The discussion is all about the PiFinder. More details can be found at www.pifinder.io

  45. #514 - Beginner Christmas Scope Recommendations and Our Wishes Lists

    Chris and Shane give their recommendations for beginner scopes and share their Santa wish lists.

  46. #513 - Late Autumn Observing

    Chris and Shane discuss recent observing sessions.

  47. #511 - Mark Radice’s Recent Adventure

    Chris and Shane welcome Mark Radice back to the show to hear about his second trip to Namibia.

  48. #512 - The Observer’s Calendar for December 2025

    Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in December 2025. Show notes are available on www.actualastronomy.com

  49. #510 - Getting Ready For Cold Weather Observing & Listener Emails

    Chris and Shane discuss plans for winter observing and read a few listener emails.

  50. #509 - A Tribute to Al Nagler

    Chris and Shane celebrate Al Nagler’s contributions to amateur astronomy.

View all 559 episodes →

About this show

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

Hosted by

Shane Ludtke & Chris Beckett

Categories

Science Astronomy

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does The Actual Astronomy Podcast have?

The Actual Astronomy Podcast has 559 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on November 2, 2026.

What is The Actual Astronomy Podcast about?

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

How often does The Actual Astronomy Podcast release new episodes?

The Actual Astronomy Podcast publishes a few times a week, based on its 559 episodes since April 2020.

Who hosts The Actual Astronomy Podcast?

The Actual Astronomy Podcast is created and hosted by Shane Ludtke & Chris Beckett.
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