Explain to me: X-men Astonishing vs. Uncanny

[toadmeister]

I've always been a passive X-man fan and have just tried to keep on top of a few major X-men historical events. Got back into comics a couple of years ago but can't seem to wrap my head around all the X-titles.

So what's the difference between Astonishing and Uncanny?

Seems most all the same characters but different stuff is going on in each (they don't seem to really cross-over). I've read some of each in the last year but can't seem to get a grip on the two together. Can someone give me the strait dope?

[neb]

From what I understand, Astonishing X-Men sprang from Joss Whedon, who wanted to write an X-Men comic book and who Marvel wanted to write an X-Men comic book. The problem was that they wanted to find a way for Joss to write the comic without interfering with current storylines, so they created the Astonishing X-Men line. Joss' storylines are in continuity, but were told almost separately from the other X-Men books.

Of course, the book was a huge smash, and even after Joss left the title, people continued to buy it, so creators continued to tell in continuity stories with those characters.

As of now, there's not much difference between the titles, although I suspect a big X-Men fan will come along and correct me.