The Actual Astronomy Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

Chris and Shane read and respond to listener emails.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chris and Shane discuss recent observing sessions.

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

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

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

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

Chris shares the latest update in his journey to deal with an exceptionally bright light at his observatory and the guys discuss recent comet observations.

Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in November 2025. 

Chris and Shane talk about some things you can do to prepare for your first night of observing with your first telescope. 

Chris and Shane discuss 2 naked-eye comets that are visible right now!

Chris and Shane discuss what can be done when a someone installs an exceptionally bright light that diminishes the night sky. 

Chris and Shane discuss recent observations.

Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in October 2025. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com

Chris and Shane discuss the Titan shadow transit across Saturn and some other observations. 

Chris and Shane talk about interesting things to observe in Taurus.

Chris and Shane discuss recent observations and trying to observe features on the Galilean moons around Jupiter. 

Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in September 2023. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com

Chris and Shane welcome Alister back to the show. Alister just returned from a long astronomy stint in Namibia. 

Chris and Shane discuss listener emails.

Chris and Shane discuss recent observing in Grasslands National Park as well as buying a telescope for young people.

Chris and Shane welcome Mike back to the show to talk about summertime observing.

Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in August 2025. Show notes available at www.sasktel.com

Chris and Shane discuss a bunch of Cloudynights forum topics. 

Chris and Shane discuss multiple observing reports.

Chris and Shane discuss upgrades that new telescope owners can consider. 

Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in July 2025. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com

Chris shares he recent astronomy adventures in Toronto.

Chris and Shane discuss using a mini Borg as a solar scope and share some observing reports. 

Chris and Shane welcome Peter Monson to the show to talk about the Chiricahua Sky Village in Arizona. 

Chris and Shane talk about interesting things to observe in June 2025. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com