Is it better to buy a complete amateur astronomy telescope system that includes optical tube, mount, drive, etc or can you get better quality by assembling your own from individual components.  Dustin talks advantages and disadvantages to both. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support ..read more

Tony is finally getting to a place where he can start construction on his backyard observatory for his 20 inch reflector.  In this episode, we discuss the value of having a permanent place for your telescope and it doesn't have to be fancy! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support ..read more

We have a guest today!  Beth Johnson from the SETI Institute kindly agreed to join us to talk about her role at the SETI Institute and what they are doing to help us find signs of intelligence in the universe.   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support ..read more

Dustin has been using the new line of astrographs from Askar/Sharpstar and tells us a little about them.  Astrographs are more ubiquitous now that imaging has become so mainstream. Tony also talks a bit about whether you need a college degree these days to get a good job in astronomy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support ..read more

Dustin's been using some of the new iOptron mounts that have recently come out and he talks about his experiences with them.  Tony wonders about the effects of the growing use of LED lighting in cities and towns across the world. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support ..read more

We're Podchatting, did you know that? Tony ventures into the realm of saying what's on his mind.  Dustin and Tony discuss the Artemis mission and Tony has thoughts.  They also talk gear, astrophotography and lots more.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support ..read more

OK so we decided to pick this back up again.  Tony and Dustin are back talking astronomy and telescopes and we hope you'll join us!  Please send us any input you have and you're always welcome to join our discussion if you're interested. You can also join the Deep Astronomy discord server here: https://discord.gg/K9BuW2U --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support ..read more

This episode was prompted by an email from Matt who wanted to sort out WHY different telescopes are better than others.  In this episode, I'll break down all the different telescope types and try to answer the question of why you should want one. Also, Dustin and I discuss camera resolution: why it matters, is more better and more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support ..read more

More than any other aspect of amateur astronomy, using your equipment to get involved in professional astronomy is growing the fastest.  In this episode, we explore ways you can use your stuff to do science!  Also, Dustin and Tony talk about the advances in short-focal length telescope design and why they are amazing. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support ..read more

We've been listening for signals from the galaxy hoping to detect another civilization out there.  What are the actual chances we'll hear anything?  Let's take a look at this paper and find out: https://arxiv.org/pdf/1007.0850.pdf Dustin and Tony also talk about APO refractors and catadioptric telescope systems. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spacejunk/support ..read more