The Actual Astronomy Podcast

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. 

Chris and Shane talk about some of the best deep sky objects to observe right now!

Sirius is the brightest star in the sky. It is also a very difficult double to split. Chris and Shane discuss two listeners observations that recently observe red Sirius B. 

Special guest, Dave Chapman, joins Chris and Shane to chat about telescopes and his role in making the Lunar X a popular observational target. Check out actualastronomy.com for some extra links to Dave’s Lunar X article and YouTube video on telescopes. 

The weather has ruined any observing hopes during the previous week. Chris and Shane talk about some new eyepieces and a chair that Chris received as well as some gear that is on their wish lists. 

Chris and Shane discuss an interesting listener observing report about testing a 25mm Starbase Kellner. 

Find out what you can observe in our solar system during February. 

Note: We decided to swap the order of this weeks episodes after we recorded, so the episode number you hear is incorrect. 

Special guest Justin Wasner joins Chris and Shane on this episode. Justin is an amateur astronomer who also has a lot of knowledge and experience regarding 3D printing. Check out actualastronomy.com to see Justin’s presentation on 3D printing that he references in this episode.