Shows
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - July Observer’s GuideHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com The Actual Astronomy Podcast presents The Observer’s Calendar for July 2025. In this episode we talk about how to see Mercury, the Moon as it pairs with Spica, Antares, Saturn, Jupiter, several carbon stars and some deep sky objects like M6 & M7. We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the...2025-07-0344 min
The Actual Astronomy Podcast#489 - Observer’s Calendar for July 2025Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in July 2025. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2025-06-3042 min
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - The Chiricahua Sky VillageHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com The Actual Astronomy Podcast presents The Chiricahua Sky Village. In this episode we talk with Peter Monson who has a well established observing site at the Sky Village in Arizona. We discuss the dark skies, weather conditions, facilities and how people set up their lots as well as how folks interested in getting a site of their own can become involved. Concluding Message: Please subscribe and share the show with other stargazers you know and send us show ideas, o...2025-06-191h 11
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - June Observer’s CalendarHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com The Observer’s Calendar for June 2025 on Episode 485 of the Actual Astronomy podcast. I’m Chris and joining me is Shane. We are amateur astronomers who love looking up at the night sky and this podcast is for everyone who enjoys going out under the stars. June 1 - Venus at greatest elongation in morning sky 46-degrees from Sun. Mars is still 30-degrees up but just over 5 arc seconds when the month begins. June 3 - first quart...2025-06-0534 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#485 - Observer’s Calendar for June 2025Chris and Shane talk about interesting things to observe in June 2025. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com
2025-06-0233 min
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - Affordable Wide Field with Brian VentrudoHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com Episode 483! Today we have a returning Special Guest, though it’s been a while. Dr. Brian Ventrudo is author the Cosmic Pursuits web page and a contributing editor for S&T. He has a Ph.D in Laser Spectroscopy and helped measure the fingerprints of the molecules found in interstellar space and planetary atmosphere. In an email Brian mentioned the TV NP127 being a dream scope…which is remaining just a dream for the time being...2025-05-151h 00
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - The Observer’s Calendar for MayHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com Episode 480: May 2 - Vesta at Opposition May 3 - Mars Moon and Beehive May 4 - First Quarter Moon - Lunar X visible on Moon. May 5 - Lunar Straight Wall Visible & Maginus Ray May 6 - Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Peak - ZHR 50 but usually 30, though in 2013 it reached over 130! From Comet Halley. May 10/11 - Moon passes within ½ degree of Spica all night May 14/15 - Endymion sunset rays visible on Moon 2025-05-0129 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#480 - The Observer’s Calendar for May 2025Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in May 2025. Show notes available on www.actualastronomy.com
2025-04-2828 min
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - The Skies Over the Southern OceanHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com The Actual Astronomy Podcast episode 474 presents The Skies over the Southern Ocean. In this episode we talk with Micahel Wright who recently visited Australia to view the Southern Skies for the first time. Michael provides a travelog of his trip as well as what he was able to see in the night sky from down under through a 20-inch telescope. Michael paints a picture for listeners through his sketches and explanations as well as a run down for how to plan your own...2025-04-171h 06The Actual Astronomy Podcast#477 - Observer’s Calendar for April 2025Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in April 2025. Show notes available on www.actualastronomy.com
2025-04-0728 min
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - The Observer’s Calendar for AprilHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com The Actual Astronomy Podcast presents The Observer’s Calendar for April 2025. In this episode we talk about how to see the Moon as it pairs with Pleiades, Mars, Smallest full moon on April 13th then pairs with Antares. Don’t miss the Lyrid meteor shower and catch Venus, Moon, Saturn and Mercury in the morning sky. We also discuss some stars and deep sky objects including globular cluster M68 and a few galaxies like M104 and M83. We've added a new...2025-04-0329 min
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - A History of Planetary MotionHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com The Actual Astronomy Podcast presents A History of Planetary Motion. In this episode we are joined again by Dave Chapman. Dave will review the history of our understanding of planetary motion, from prehistoric times and antiquity to the present day. He covers the contributions of Mesopotamians, The Greeks, Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, Newton, Halley, Lagrange, Laplace, Gauss, Le Verrier, Galle, Einstein, and Bretagnon. He concludes that our knowledge has progressed immensely, but in a way, we have come full circle! 2025-03-201h 03The Actual Astronomy Podcast#473 - Sirius Observing in Canis MajorChris and Shane read a listener observing report that is an excellent guide to objects in Canis Major. Show notes available on www.actualastronomy.com
2025-03-1057 min
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - Observer’s Calendar for MarchHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com The Observer’s Calendar for March 2025 on Episode 472 of the Actual Astronomy podcast. I’m Chris and joining me is Shane. We are amateur astronomers who love looking up at the night sky and this podcast is for everyone who enjoys going out under the stars. March 4th is Pancake Tuesday March 5 - Moon 0.6-degrees N of Pleiades but 6-7 degrees E of M45 for us March 6 - Lunar X & V visible March 7 - Lun...2025-03-0652 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#472 - The Observer’s Calendar for March 2025Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in March 2025. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2025-03-0351 min
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - Naked Eye AstronomyHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com - About 6,000 stars are visible to the unaided eye and some even in the day - Eric Saw eta Cassiopeia in the Calgary Centre 14-inch they retrofitted - Milky Way - Walter Scott Houston - Shadows - What’s the faintest thing you can see? - Moon - TWS - Copernicus? Libration 15:32 Young Moon Record - Planets - Jupiter's Satellites. - Belt of Venus - Crepuscular Rays / Heat Lighting / Noc...2025-02-201h 02
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - The Observer’s Calendar for FebruaryHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com The Actual Astronomy Podcast presents The Observer’s Calendar for February 2025. In this episode we talk about what you can see in the February 2025 night sky. This month we focus on all the planets you can see, rays and craters on the Moon as well as a few deep sky objects you might see on a winter vacation. We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just...2025-02-0640 min
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - Listener Emails & Christmas PresentsHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com Listener emails and Christmas Presents on Episode 466! The Actual Astronomy Podcast presents Listener Emails and Christmas Presents. We talk about several items listeners received as well as what other people are doing under the stars. We get emails from Alejandro, Adam, Stan, Chris K., another Chris and Tim. We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: https://www.patreon.com...2025-01-1647 min
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - The Observer’s CalendarHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com This month is our Observer’s Calendar for January 2025 but I’ve had Marie Newnham working with me on the RASC Observer’s Colander and she came up with a. Variety of new targets I’ll start adding but have never seen for myself. Jan 5- Neptune 1.1 S of Moon - Occultation for Central and North EU Jan 6 - First Quarter Moon and Walthier Sunrise Ray visible on Moon Jan 7 - Lunar Straight Wall visible and “Eyes...2025-01-0238 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#463 - Observer’s Calendar for January 2025Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in January 2025. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com
2024-12-3037 min
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - Observing Lists & Eyepiece CleaningHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com The Actual Astronomy Podcast Episode 464 presents Observing Lists and Eyepiece Cleaning. In this episode we talk about a few observing lists Chris is working on for the RASC Observer's Handbook and Calendar plus some Wide Field Wonders. Shane details his cleaning process for eyepieces. My little counterweight arrived! Bought a semi-truck snow brush to clear snow from the rails Sadly where the roll off rails enter the observatory freezing rain and snow accumulate behind the wh...2024-12-1954 min
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - The Observer’s Calendar for DecemberHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com Dec 6th Friday - Moment of Global Darkness occurs when 85% of the global population experience night simultaneously. According to Date & time .com Nighttime for Almost Everyone—How Is That Even Possible? Just like at any other moment, the Sun will illuminate one half of the globe on December 6 at 19:56 UTC. The other half will be dark, and people living there will experience nighttime. The reason why so many people will be in darkness is that the world’s most...2024-12-0541 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#458 - Observer’s Calendar for December 2024Chris and Shane talk about interesting things to observe in December 2024. Show notes available on www.actualastronomy.com
2024-11-2541 min
The 365 Days of AstronomyActual Astronomy - Observing in the Namibian DesertHosted by Chris Beckett & Shane Ludtke, two amateur astronomers in Saskatchewan. actualastronomy@gmail.com The Actual Astronomy Podcast presents Observing in the Namibian Desert. Mark Radice from the Refreshing Views YouTube Channel joins us from the Namibian Desert to talk about his experiences under the southern sky. We traverse continents and topics from the planets to the Magellanic Clouds as Mark guides us through his recent journeys. We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365Da...2024-11-211h 01The Actual Astronomy Podcast#454 The Observer’s Calendar for November 2024Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in November 2024. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2024-10-2828 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#450 - Observer’s Calendar for October 2024Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in October 2024. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com
2024-09-3027 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#447 - Stars and Birds with Dave ChapmanChris and Shane welcome Dave Chapman back to the podcast to discuss bird-themed constellations. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2024-09-091h 01The Actual Astronomy Podcast#446 - The Observer’s Calendar for September 2024Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in September 2024. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com
2024-09-0239 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#444 - Focusing on PerseusPerseus has many diverse objects to observe. Chris and Shane talk about the various objects to add to your observing list. Details can be found at www.actualastronomy.com
2024-08-1953 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#442 - Observer’s Calendar for August 2024Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to add to your observing list. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2024-07-2925 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#438 - Observer’s Calendar for July 2024Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in July 2024, including a comet that might become visible with the naked eye in September/October. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2024-07-0128 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#429 - Observer’s Calendar for June 2024Chris and Shane talk interesting things to observe in June 2024. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2024-05-3034 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#421 - Observer’s Calendar for May 2024Chris and Shane talk about interesting things to observe in May 2024. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2024-05-0223 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#404 - Observer’s Calendar for March 2024Chris and Shane talk about interesting things to observe in March 2024. Show notes are available on www.actualastronomy.com
2024-03-0432 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#399 - Astronomy Books With Chris WilcoxChris and Shane welcome Chris Wilcox to the show to talk about astronomy books. Chris owns a small book store in the US and has some great recommendations. Show notes available on www.actualastronomy.com
2024-02-151h 09The Actual Astronomy Podcast#386 - Observer’s Calendar for January 2024Chris and Shane talk about interesting things to observe in January 2024. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2024-01-0125 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#380 - Stars You Should Know - Southern Skies Edition with Dave ChapmanChris and Shane welcome Dave back to the show for the final instalment of the Stars You Know series. This episode is dedicated to stars visible from southern latitudes. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2023-12-0449 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#379 - Observer’s Calendar for December 2023Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in December 2023. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2023-11-3027 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#364 - Fall Stars You Should Know with Dave ChapmanDave Chapman returns to the podcast to continue the Stars You Should Knkw series. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com
2023-10-0945 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#363 - Observer’s Calendar for October 2023Chris and Shane discuss interesting things to observe in October. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2023-10-0248 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#348 - Dave Chapman’s Star You Should Know for SummerChris and Shane welcome Dave Chapman back to the show to talk about the summer stars we should know. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com
2023-08-071h 07The Actual Astronomy Podcast#304 - Objects to Observe in March 2023Chris and Shane discuss objects to observe in March 2023. Show notes can be found at www.actualastronomy.com
2023-03-0130 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#300 Part 2 - Live Recording Hosted by the Kitchener Waterloo RASC CentreChris and Shane did a live recording during the monthly Kitchener Waterloo RASC Centre monthly meeting. Check out www.actualastronomy.com for show reference documentation.
2023-02-1600 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#300 Part 1 - Live Recording Hosted by the Kitchener Waterloo RASC CentreChris and Shane did a live recording during the monthly Kitchener Waterloo RASC Centre monthly meeting. Check out www.actualastronomy.com for show reference documentation.
2023-02-1337 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#297 - Objects to Observe in February 2023Chris and Shane discuss objects to observe in February 2023. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com
2023-02-0245 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#294 - Stars You Should Know With Dave ChapmanChris and Shane welcome Dave Chapman back to the podcast to talk about stars everyone should know. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com
2023-01-2359 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#287 - Objects to Observe in January 2023Chris and Shane talk about lots of objects to observe in January 2023. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com
2022-12-2930 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#272 - ATM-ing with Special Guest Tom OtvosChris and Shane discuss amateur telescope making with special guest Tom Otvos. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com
2022-11-071h 00The Actual Astronomy Podcast#261 - Objects to Observe in October 2022Chris and Shane discuss interesting objects and events to observe in October 2022. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com.
2022-09-2936 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#239 - Observing Dark Nebula: A Beginner’s GuideChris and Shane list some excellent dark nebula to observe this summer. Show notes for this episode are found at www.actualastronomy.com
2022-07-1419 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#238 - Surfing the Summer Star CloudsChris and Shane discuss summer star clouds that are great targets to add to your observing list. Show notes for this episode are found at www.actualastronomy.com
2022-07-1112 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#237 - Binocular Tour of the Summer Milky WayChris and Shane provide some objects to observe in the summer Milky Way. Show notes for this episode can be found at www.actualastronomy.com
2022-07-0715 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#235 - Objects to Observe in July 2022Chris and Shane discuss lots of great things to observe in July 2022. Show notes for the episode can be found at www.actualastronomy.com
2022-06-3037 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#233 - Scorpius Deep DiveChris and Shane discuss interesting deep sky objects to observe in Scorpius. Show notes can be found at www.actualastronomy.com
2022-06-2345 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#226 - Objects to Observe In June 2022Chris and Shane discuss objects to observe in June 2022. A list of everything discussed can be found at www.actualastronomy.com
2022-05-3038 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#209 - Objects to Observe in April 2022Chris and Shane take about interesting things to observe in April 2022. Show notes are available at www.actualastronomy.com
2022-03-3133 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#140 - Objects to Observe in August 2021Chris and Shane discuss solar system objects and events to observe in August. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2021-08-0340 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#133 - Summer Binocular TourChris and Shane take listeners on a binocular tour of the night sky. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2021-07-0854 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#131 - Objects to Observe in July 2021Chris and Shane discuss solar system objects and events to observe in July. Show notes available at www.actualastronomy.com
2021-07-0139 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#125 - Small Telescope ObservingShane delivers his presentation about why he enjoys using small telescopes. Download the presentation at www.actualastronomy.com to follow along.
2021-06-1055 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#113 - Big Aperture Observing - 20” f/3.3Special guest, amateur astronomer Bill Wier, joins Chris and Shane to talk about observing on the west coast of Canada with various telescopes including a 20” f/3.3 StarMaster dobsonian. Checkout the photos on www.actualastronomy.com
2021-04-2956 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#101 - Deep Sky Observing in Auriga, Gemini, and CancerChris and Shane discuss interesting deep sky objects that you can observe tonight! You can find show notes for this episode at actualastronomy.com.
2021-03-1852 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#91 - Telescopes and the Lunar XSpecial 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.
2021-02-1156 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#87 - 3D Printing and AstronomySpecial 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.
2021-01-2847 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#86 - Chris and Shane’s Current Observing Projects/ListsIf you are looking for a new observing project, you might find some inspiration in this episode. Chris and Shane share the lists and projects that they are focusing on. More information regarding this episode can be found at www.actualastronomy.com
2021-01-2550 minThe Actual Astronomy Podcast#84 -Searching For New Dark Sky LocationsChris and Shane discuss a new location that might be a good dark sky observing site and share some tips how you can find a dark sky site near your home. A new website for Actual Astronomy is introduced as well, www.actualastronomy.com
2021-01-1841 min