Recent Episodes
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#480 - The Observer’s Calendar for May 2025
Apr 28, 2025 – 28:07 -
#479 - Comet C2025F2 SWAN and Listener Email
Apr 21, 2025 – 52:03 -
#478 - Favourite Equipment by Elimination
Apr 14, 2025 – 55:08 -
#477 - Observer’s Calendar for April 2025
Apr 7, 2025 – 28:06 -
#476 - Gear Talk and Listener Emails
Mar 31, 2025 – 50:27 -
#475 - A History of Planetary Motion with Dave Chapman
Mar 24, 2025 – 01:02:31 -
#474 - Skies Over the Southern Ocean with Michael Wright
Mar 17, 2025 – 01:04:48 -
#473 - Sirius Observing in Canis Major
Mar 10, 2025 – 57:47 -
#472 - The Observer’s Calendar for March 2025
Mar 3, 2025 – 51:45 -
#471 - Naked Eye Observing
Feb 24, 2025 – 01:00:41 -
#470 - Gear Haul with Craig Levine
Feb 17, 2025 – 01:02:43 -
#469 - Non-Astronomy Things We Do While Observing
Feb 10, 2025 – 32:29 -
#468 - Observer’s Calendar for February 2025
Feb 3, 2025 – 38:56 -
#467 - Eyepiece Updates and Contact Red Polymer Advice
Jan 27, 2025 – 44:15 -
#466 - Listener Emails and Christmas Gifts
Jan 20, 2025 – 45:57 -
#465 - 7” Refractor First Light
Jan 13, 2025 – 01:04:33 -
#464 - Observing Lists and Eyepiece Cleaning
Jan 6, 2025 – 53:12 -
#463 - Observer’s Calendar for January 2025
Dec 30, 2024 – 37:24 -
#462 - Atmospheric Dispersion Correctors
Dec 23, 2024 – 44:18 -
#461 - Obstacles to Doing Astronomy
Dec 16, 2024 – 38:17 -
#460 - Lost Astronomy Gear and Listener Emails
Dec 9, 2024 – 45:47 -
#459 - Winter Observing Plans
Dec 2, 2024 – 59:57 -
#458 - Observer’s Calendar for December 2024
Nov 25, 2024 – 41:00 -
#357 - Autumn Observing
Nov 18, 2024 – 45:12 -
#456 - Observing in the Namibian Desert with Mark Radice
Nov 11, 2024 – 01:00:34 -
#455 - C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Observing Reports
Nov 4, 2024 – 44:32 -
#454 The Observer’s Calendar for November 2024
Oct 28, 2024 – 28:25 -
#453 - Aurora Outburst
Oct 21, 2024 – 01:00:39 -
#452 - Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas
Oct 14, 2024 – 38:47 -
#451 - Explore Scientific 12mm 92 Degree and Other Observations
Oct 7, 2024 – 56:18 -
#450 - Observer’s Calendar for October 2024
Sep 30, 2024 – 27:14 -
#449 - Getting Borg Telescopes Operational
Sep 23, 2024 – 48:14 -
#448 - We Observed Together!
Sep 16, 2024 – 39:04 -
#447 - Stars and Birds with Dave Chapman
Sep 9, 2024 – 01:01:06 -
#446 - The Observer’s Calendar for September 2024
Sep 2, 2024 – 39:36 -
#445 - Listener Emails
Aug 26, 2024 – 36:37 -
#444 - Focusing on Perseus
Aug 19, 2024 – 53:33 -
#443 - Listener Emails
Aug 5, 2024 – 27:36 -
#442 - Observer’s Calendar for August 2024
Jul 29, 2024 – 25:14 -
#441 - Observing in Grasslands National Park
Jul 22, 2024 – 46:37 -
#440 - Resources For Astronomy
Jul 15, 2024 – 47:12 -
#439 - Changes to the Podcast and Listener Emails
Jul 8, 2024 – 52:31 -
#438 - Observer’s Calendar for July 2024
Jul 1, 2024 – 28:00 -
#437 - Listener Emails
Jun 27, 2024 – 43:33 -
#436 - Stars A Month-by-Month Tour of the Constellations with Mike Lynch
Jun 24, 2024 – 48:08 -
#435 - Don’t Buy That Telescope
Jun 20, 2024 – 42:04 -
#434- Another Telescope, Noctilucent Clouds, and Listener Emails
Jun 17, 2024 – 38:21 -
#433 - Shane’s New Telescope
Jun 13, 2024 – 35:40 -
#432 - The Sherwood Planetarium
Jun 10, 2024 – 57:18 -
#431 - Listener Emails
Jun 6, 2024 – 44:26
Recent Reviews
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Bear34loveBest podcast on the topicThe only astronomy podcast worth listening too.
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Into_flowBest Podcast in the Universe!!For beginners and experts alike. The absolute best visual astronomy podcast. Chris and Shane are engaging, helpful, and a pleasure to listen to. I have learned so much from these two. They have taken my amateur astronomy pursuits to places I would never had gone if I hadn't found this podcast!! There is something for everyone!!
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FL CommuterBest podcast for amateur astronomersOne of the very few astronomy podcasts that deals with actually going out into your yard and looking at the stars and planets. Chris and Shane are like a couple of friends who share your hobby of astronomy and we have a couple of chats each week about what to look at and what to get to better see it. The podcast is a mix of what’s going on in the night sky, what equipment is available and how to use it, with some guests thrown in to provide information on related topics such as building your own telescope or promoting dark skies. As a novice astronomer with no one close by who shares my interest, this is a must-listen-to podcast. Thanks guys and keep up the good work! Clear skies.
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Vis AstronBest Amateur Astronomy Podcast!This is the best Podcast for amateur astronomers. They have something for everyone. Chris and Shane do a fantastic job hosting the podcast. Warning: They may cover a piece of equipment that you don’t have and cannot resist after learning about it!
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SoonerMD1983Best visual astronomy podcast out there!Actual Astronomy is by far the best podcast out there for visual observers. I came to the hobby in 2020 as an absolute novice and Chris and Shane have taught be basically everything I know. I know for sure I would not have gotten such enjoyment out the hobby without their advice and guidance. Wish I could give more than 5 stars!
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Rabbanah1Something fun and positive about the showThis series is the best for amateur astronomers who want to learn more about the hobby of visual observing.
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Tphr1973Great show for observers of outer space!Chris and Shane share a wealth of experience encompassing the breadth of amateur astronomy. They’ve developed their own niche interests (refractors, sketching, books, vintage telescopes, solar, etc.) but they frequently interview guests to shed light on other topics. The show is always informative and inspires this listener to be a better observer.
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RC SLOMy new favorite podcastI am very excited to have found this podcast! Chris and Shane have a great thing going here. Informative, inspirational and entertaining. I can’t believe I’ve only just found this show. I’ve been missing out. If you love night sky observing you’ll love this show. Great content! Thanks guys for all you’re doing here.
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Perfect HeadshotIf you have any interest in astronomy you HAVE to listen to this podcastThanks Chris and Shane. I always look forward to your informative, insightful and entertaining podcast. I have and will recommend this program to all fellow astronomers. Please continue the great work. It is much appreciated.
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Haleyscomet againAstronomy with a focus on Observing and EquipmentChris and Shane are constantly improving their podcast. My favorite episodes "Objects to Observe in _(month)____” come out once a month. They give a brief introduction for beginners then move on to readily viewable deep sky objects and solar system events. I love to share those with newbies to the hobby. At the same time I always gleen several items from the podcast that I have never observed before. The rest of the episodes contain and eclectic mix of astronomy conversations between them, conversations with with special guests, and deep dive conversations about observing smaller areas in the sky. Most other Astronomy podcasts tend to focus more on spaceflight operations, astro physics or other armchair disciplines. Because The Actual Astronomy Podcastthe content is observing focussed (how to, observing resources, equipment, resources), it really motivates me to get out of my armchair, to go outside, and to get some observing in under the evening (and sometimes morning) sky.
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PlanuseChris and ShaneGreat content for beginners and experienced Amateur Astronomers alike. The release schedule is consistent which avoids potentially becoming frustrated as with some other podcasts. Thank you both for encouraging me to update some equipment and get out and observe! Now if only the skies would clear... Patrick (SE Michigan)
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shanesrqMy favorite astronomy podcast!These guys are great! If it’s no nonsense Astronomy conversation you want, this is the place to find it. Chris and Shane have a passion for observing the night sky and their topics are always interesting and informative. I’ve pretty much stopped listening to all of the other astronomy podcasts. And not only are their episodes great… They’re publishing new one’s quite frequently. Thanks for all your effort in producing this podcast. You’ve inspired me to get my 10” LX 90 SCR out of storage and take a fresh look at the stars!!!
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John NuhnBest visual observing podcast. Period!This is the best astronomical visual observing podcast. Period! Whether you are an experienced observer or just curious about the practice you need to listen to this podcast. Chris and Shane know what they are talking about. They cover it all. Objects to observe, every piece of gear observers use, observing reports from listeners, you name it. If it involves the art and practice of visual observing these guys talk about it. Subscribe. You won’t regret it.
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Fsu83It’s StellarI look forward to Chris and Shane’s insights and varied topics each week. There hasn’t been an episode yet where I haven’t taken a note, looked up a product, or put a reminder to try and learn more about something they may have touched upon. They have a great way of “dummying down” many things that a relative newcomer like me can really appreciate Don S.
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DaDrumDoctorInspiring to get out under the starsIf you want inspiration, ideas, and practical advice for seeing the universe, all from your backyard, this podcast is for you! Whether you are just getting started or have been observing for years, this podcast has something for everyone!
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WeteryInteresting showIf you’re interested in observational astronomy Chris and Shane provide a lot of good advice.
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luvdarkskiesRelatable, knowledgeable and fun!These guys are the guys you want to bump into at a star party. Average Joes who are as comfortable teaching a novice as they are sharing stories with seasoned observers. First rate!
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llrrrrAlways funChris and Shane are two fun guys who obviously love visual astronomy very much. The podcast is not slickly produced or fancy or academic - it’s just like hanging out with two very knowledgeable amateurs. They inspire me to get out and observe.
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SaganSentAwesome Podcast for practical astronomy!I’m a newcomer to astronomy (a lifelong interest, but spurred on by pandemic boredom) and have come to love Chris and Shane’s podcast. I’ve even listened to all the episodes twice and gain even more knowledge as my experience grows! There are lots of podcasts about science and astrophysics but very few about how to actually get out and be successful under the night sky - this is the best one I’ve found. Keep up the great work guys!
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LakavosHow-to astronomy for everyoneThere are plenty of podcasts that will educate you about the planets, stars, and other celestial bodies, but where do you go if you want to actually look at these objects with your own two eyes. This is where you go, and you’ll get all of the information you need to get started, and to be successful, in amateur astronomy. No gimmicks, no shouting, no theatrics; just two fellows having a conversation all beginners can benefit from. It’s the best amateur astronomy podcast in the universe! Five out of five stars!
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WisenhimaMy favorite astronomy podcastChris and Shane really have a great thing happening. Finally a podcast about “doing” astronomy. They are humble guys with tremendous knowledge and practical podcasts. They also brave the cold. I don’t know what -20ºC is in Fahrenheit but it sounds like my tongue would stick to my telescope for sure. Keep up the great work guys! —Chris
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Mr.SnarfGreat podcastI'm just getting started with the astronomy hobby and this podcast is very helpful, educational and entertaining. Thanks guys and keep it up!
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