The Actual Astronomy Podcast

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

#553 - Observer’s Calendar for October 2026

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

Sep 28
36 min

#552 - Top 10 Techniques for Buying Used Gear

Chris and Shane share tips for buying used astronomy gear.

Sep 21
54 min

#551 - 12 Months of Messier September Edition

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

Sep 14
39 min

#550 - Sketching the Night Sky for the Average Observer

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

Sep 7
40 min

#549 - The Observer’s Calendar for September 2026

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

Aug 31
25 min

#548 - Visual Astronomy in Draco

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

Aug 24
38 min

#547 - 12 Months of Messier August Edition

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

Aug 17
23 min

#546 - Planning Dark Sky Trips

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

Aug 10
46 min

#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

Aug 3
26 min

#544 - 7” Achro Attempts at Correcting Chromatic Aberration

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

Jul 27
42 min

#543 - 3D Printing and Astronomy

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

Jul 20
55 min

#542 - 12 Months of Messier July Edition

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

Jul 13
50 min

#541 - Observer’s Calendar for July 2026

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

Jul 6
32 min

#540 - 12 Month of Messier June Edition

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

Jun 29
37 min

#539 - David Nagler Answers Listener Questions

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

Jun 22
1 h 42 min

#538 - Listener Emails

Chris and Shane get caught up and read listener emails.

Jun 15
59 min

#537 - Observer’s Calendar for June 2026

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

Jun 8
25 min

#536 - Observing While the Moon is Up

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

May 25
1 h 05 min

#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

May 18
25 min

#534 - Telescope Powers

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

May 11
1 h 00 min

Chart trend

Position in the Astronomy chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#20#38JunJulAugSep

#14

all-time peak

674

days in the top 50 since Nov 2024

Chart positions

Where The Actual Astronomy Podcast ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 28, 2026).

#38 ▼ 11 Astronomy US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

This is a relatively new podcast to me but has a huge back catalog. Shane and Chris go into so many topics and that’s very helpful to me who has come back to the hobby after literally decades away.

cjtst11 · Jun 2026

I really enjoy hearing Shane and Chris geek out on various astronomy topics. As a new astronomer hobbiest I am learning a lot from Chris and Shane’s discussions. The format used of focusing on a couple of topics each show is great for jumping around the back catalog. I really appreciate Chris’ dry humor as well. Keep up the great work guys.

D1123870 · Aug 2025

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!!

Into_flow · Mar 2024

One 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.

FL Commuter · Mar 2023

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.