Looking Up: Recent Episodes
Dean Regas, Anna Hehman
The Cincinnati Observatory, with its hulking, one-of-a-kind antique telescope, has been a staple institution of the Cincinnati science scene since its founding in 1842. The Observatory has changed its location and invested in more up-to-date technology since then, but it is still just as important a mover and shaker in astronomical observation as well as the education and outreach that keeps Cincinnati and member station listeners across the country Looking Up.Dean Regas and Anna Hehman of the Cincinnati Observatory are your guides to the galaxy, helping you make sense of the dizzying expanse of glittering stars and the glowing planets of our solar system. Dean is the author of 100 Things to See in the Night Sky, but there are hundreds more things where that came from, from space launches to supernovas, which Dean and Anna discuss twice a month on Looking Up.Some of Dean and Anna’s distinguished guests include researchers from The Ohio State University on their recent discovery of the smallest known black hole—also the closest to our solar system—which they call “The Unicorn,” and a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory with updates on the Perseverance Mars rover. Some other notable guests from our recent archives include astronaut and U.S. Congressman Mark Kelly, actor William Shatner, Ann Druyan, co-creator, with Carl Sagan, of the classic TV series Cosmos, and Dr. Jane Kavandi and General Charles Bolden Jr. of NASA.You’ll find tips for observing celestial bodies in our solar system and beyond, from summer stargazing—in spite of the long days and humid haze in the night sky—to updates on the timing and location of the next big eclipse. Hear expert insights into the latest space launch and find out about NASA’s current missions. Ever wondered about the reasons behind the many names for different kinds of full moons? Pink moon, blood moon, harvest moon—what do they all mean and when can they be observed?You can listen to Looking Up wherever NPR podcasts are found—on streaming services, the NPR One app, and a variety of smart devices.Looking Up is produced and engineered by Josh Elstro and with technical assistance from Jim Nolan.
Dean chats with Dr. Erin Leonard, planetary geologist and project staff scientist for the Europa Clipper mission. What does it take to send a spacecraft to one of Jupiter's moons? And could there be liquid water waiting on the surface?Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodcastFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Dr. Katie Mack, astrophysicist, cosmologist, and author of the book, "The End of Everything." They discuss how all of this might end, could it be a crunch, a freeze or a rip? Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodcast Find Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Dr. Lisa Kaltenegger, an astrophysicist, astrobiologist and author of, "Alien Earths: The New Science of Planet Hunting in the Cosmos." Listen in to hear about the strangest exoplanets Dr. Kaltenegger has come across, and if an Earth 2.0 is out there waiting to be found.Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodcastFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with astronomer and artist Dr. Tyler Nordgren. Listen in to hear about how Dr. Nordgren revived the style of vintage WPA posters to raise awareness for night sky preservation in national parks!What are your fave works of art with an astronomy theme? Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodcastMusic this episode: "SG Transmission," Line Exchange," "Tannis Corner Stall," and "TK Shell," from Blue Dot Sessions VIA the Free Music Archive (CC by NC) as well as "Zion" by SalmonLikeTheFish via the Free Music Archive (CC by NC-SA).Find Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Kay Ferrari, NASA's Solar System Ambassadors Coordinator, a program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Listen in to and learn about what it takes to earn this coveted title and how you can participate!Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Pat Ammons, Senior Director of Public and Media Relations at Space Camp—yes, THE Space Camp! Listen in to discover how this iconic educational experience began and what exciting developments are on the horizon.Have you ever wanted to be an astronaut? Did you go to Space Camp? Dean wants to hear from you! Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Babak Tafreshi, National Geographic photographer, world explorer, and public speaker. Listen in to learn about how Babak captures the beauty of the world at night.Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Chris Cokinos, author of Still as Bright: An Illuminating History of the Moon from Antiquity to Tomorrow. Listen in to learn more about what makes the moon so magical. Special thanks to Jack Horkheimer and James Albury from Star Gazers!Homework: Try out Dean's 7-Night Stargazing Challenge!Go outside on 7 clear nights and do some stargazing and moon gazing. Send us your thoughts, what did you learn? You can find us at lookingup@wvxu.org or post about your stargazing journey on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Rhys Darby, comedian, actor and host of The Cryptid Factor podcast. They discuss cryptozoology, ETs and a few of Rhys's greatest Sci-fi roles.Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Scott VanBommel, meteorite hunter and senior research scientist at Washington University in St. Louis. Listen to learn what it takes to find a meteorite (you'll have to start looking down). Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Robert Nemiroff, one of the creators of the Astronomy Picture of the Day website. They discuss the site's legacy and various astrophotography techniques.Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with John Linnell, one half of the iconic band They Might Giants. Listen in to hear about the vision for their 1992 album Apollo 18, John's backyard astronomy practice, and a mini-lesson from Dean on astronomy misconceptions!Homework Assignment: Write to Dean with your astronomy questions and he might answer them in a future episode! Use subject line, "Hey Dean!" Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Dr. Nicole Lunning from NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, who explains the challenges and successes of collecting samples from asteroid Bennu. Plus, a recap of the April 2024 solar eclipse! Find Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean discusses NASA Quesst's X-59 aircraft with Senior Research Engineer at NASA Langley, Dr. Jonathan Rathsam and Aerospace Engineer at NASA Armstrong, Ed Haering. Will supersonic air travel make a comeback? Homework assignment: Would you go on a suborbital flight? Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppod Want to find out how you can get involved with the Quesst mission? Check out nasa.gov/quesst to learn more! Music from Blue Dot Sessions this episode: Fornax Ditty, Louver, Voyager, Preston and Carle, Null Melody and TK Club. Music shortened to match episode. View license at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Find Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Scavenger's Reign show creator, Joe Bennett, and executive producer Chris Prynoski, about what it takes to create an alien world from scratch. Homework Assignment: What are your thoughts on alien life? How will we make contact?Would we ever even recognize alien life if we saw it?Send us your thoughts at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with author, director and Cosmos producer Ann Druyan about her perspective on the universe. Listen in to hear about a "Noah's Ark of human culture," the biggest group picture ever taken, and a love story that transcends our solar system.Homework assignment: What would you select for your own Golden Record? Send us your chosen songs, sounds and images at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Looking Up is eclipse-ready! Dean chats with Dante Centuori, executive director of the Armstrong Air and Space Museum, about the upcoming April 8th Solar Eclipse. The museum is situated on the eclipse's path of totality, making it the perfect destination for Eclipse day.Homework Assignment:Take a look at this eclipse map and find out if you are in the path of totality for the April 8th Eclipse!Email us your eclipse plans at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with science fiction novelist Andy Weir about what it takes to solve problems in the cosmos, or as a stay-at-home dad. The acclaimed author of The Martian (which itself became an acclaimed film) also updates listeners on the eagerly anticipated film adaptation of another of Andy's books: "Project Hail Mary."Homework Assignment:Read any good science fiction lately? Send us your faves and we might feature them on a future episode!Email us at lookingup@wvxu.org or post them on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online: Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas, Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas, Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean, Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up, More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with John Read, an astronomer, YouTuber, and author of the popular, "50 Things to See With a Telescope" series. Listen in to learn how John got his start as an amateur stargazer and how you can get started studying the night skies today.HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTThink about something you're super passionate about—could be related to your job, career, studies, or just something you love. Now, try explaining that passion to someone who's totally new to it, like a friend or family member. Break it down into really simple terms. Share your enthusiasm with us by emailing lookingup@wvxu.org or joining the conversation on social media using #lookinguppod and you might hear it discussed on a future episode!Find Us Online- Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas-Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas-Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean-Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up-More from Dean: www.astrodean.com-John Read's Channel: www.youtube.com/@LearnToStargaze
Dean chats with historian Kevin Schindler about Lowell Observatory's exciting new facilities coming later in 2024 and the observatory's decades long history helping visitors to connect with the wonders of the universe firsthand.Find Us Online- X: @lookinguppod @deanregas-Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas-Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean-Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up-More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Dr. Riddhi Das, a soft robotics researcher developing earthworm-inspired robots for planetary exploration. They discuss how these wriggly-yet-rigid innovations, with autonomous drive and locomotive capabilities, will navigate challenging terrains and their potential applications in space exploration.HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTWhich types of robots do you envision as valuable assets for Earth's challenging environments? Share your thoughts with us by emailing lookingup@wvxu.org or joining the conversation on social media using #lookinguppodFind Us Online- Twitter: @lookinguppod @deanregas-Instagram: @917wvxu @deanregas-Tiktok: @cincinnatipublicradio @astronomerdean-Episode transcript: www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up-More from Dean: www.astrodean.com
Dean chats with Dr. Amanda Bauer, Head of Science and Education at the historic Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin. Listen in to learn about the largest refracting telescope in the world and Dean's tips for determining a telescope's "coolness factor." New episodes release every other Friday!
Dean chats with Grand Canyon Park Ranger Rader Lane about the importance of preserving dark skies, and how you can protect the beauty of the night sky in your own community. New episodes release every other Friday!
Dean explores the hidden wonders inside planets and across the solar system with guest Dr. Sabine Stanley, a planetary physicist and author of "What's Hidden Inside Planets." New episodes release every other Friday! Check WVXU.org for full transcripts of each episode.
Dean and children's book author Jennifer Sommer explores the fascinating story of Nancy Grace Roman, known as the "Mother of Hubble." Jennifer delves into her new kids' book, "Her Eyes Were on the Stars," and takes the listeners on a journey through Roman's pivotal role in the creation of the Hubble Space Telescope. New episodes release every other Friday!
Dean chats with author Jaime Green about the multifaceted relationship between science fiction, humanity's fascination with aliens, and the scientific quest for extraterrestrial life. Follow @917wvxu on Instagram and TikTok for bonus content from the show! Have a question for Dean? Email LookingUp@WVXU.org New episodes release every other Friday!
Dean Regas chats with Justin Spilker, Assistant Professor of Astronomy at Texas A&M, about a recent discovery of complex organic molecules in a distant galaxy. Listen for an illuminating conversation about the James Webb Space Telescope, groundbreaking discoveries, and the incredible chemistry of the cosmos. New episodes of Looking Up release every other Friday! You can find transcripts of each episode at WVXU.org/podcast/looking-up
Dean chats with author and astrophysicist Sarafina El-Badry Nance about methods for coping with cosmological anxiety. Find Sarafina's new book, "Starstruck: A Memoir of Astrophysics and Finding Light in the Dark" as well as full transcriptions of our episodes on WVXU.org. New episodes of Looking Up release every other Friday!
Dean chats with author Maria Popova about the first recognized female astronomer in the United States, Maria Mitchell. Listen to learn about her exciting comet discovery, and the best way to catch a comet sighting yourself! New episodes release every other Friday! Find full transcriptions of our episodes on WVXU.org
Dean chats with recent Cornell PhD Akshay Suresh about BLIPSS (The Breakthrough Listen Investigation for Periodic Spectral Signals). It's the latest effort in humanity's endeavor to communicate with intelligent extra-terrestrial life. You can find the full transcript of this episode on our website at WVXU.org New episodes release every other Friday!
Dean chats with old friend Phil Plait about doomsday predictions related to astronomical events like comets and asteroids, as well as the potential dangers of solar storms impacting Earth and satellites. They also discuss the possibility of alien life and the excitement surrounding current missions to explore celestial bodies like Europa, Enceladus, and Saturn. For links to resources references in this episode as well as a full show transcript, https://www.wvxu.org/podcast/looking-up
Dr. Alan Dressler discusses the James Webb Space Telescope and its ability to see galaxies in the throes of birth 13 billion years ago. The telescope takes pictures of galaxies with extreme sensitivity to infrared light, allowing astronomers to explore the earliest moments of the universe. The team found that galaxies were born with explosive bursts of star formation, unlike anything seen before. New episodes of Looking Up release every other Friday!
An unusual “rogue” black hole is on the run! Dr. Jennifer Wiseman, the Hubble Space Telescope Senior Project Science Scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, joins Dean Regas to discuss this mysterious finding. Music used in this episode is by Ziv Moran, BENJA, Diamonds and Ice, Nobou, and Tamuz Dekel. New episodes of Looking Up release every other Friday!
The Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute brings in experts and amateurs alike from all over the world as part of their Astronomer in Residence program. Dean speaks with current astronomer in residence Dr. Jennifer Hoffman, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Denver, and reflects on his own time there. Listen in to learn how you too can apply for this amazing opportunity! New episodes, now releasing every other Friday!
Dean has brought so much wisdom and so many stories from his time as Astronomer in Residence at the Grand Canyon National Park last fall, that we had to squeeze a bit more into another episode. This time he and Anna discuss and share some of his experiences engaging park goers in Sidewalk Astronomy. There's a certain magic and awe that happens when passers by get the opportunity to see distant objects through a telescope and Dean has some great clips from his trip that help prove it!We are also joined by WVXU Reporter and local host of All Things Considered, Bill Rinehart to help us embody the spirit of one of the original purveyors of sidewalk astronomy experiences, John Dobson. Together they revisit an interview Dean had the opportunity to conduct with Dobson before his passing.
That' right! Looking Up is 100 episodes old today! Dean and Anna take the opportunity to reminisce on some greatest moments, hopes for the future, and more. We are also joined by retired Canadian astronaut and author of the new book "The Apollo Murders", Colonel Chris Hadfield. And his stories and credentials go far beyond space and writing. He's spent time as a musician, done television shows, and so much more that needed to be discussed! We also get a "what's up in the skies in 2022" update from our old friend, co-host of the live YouTube Stream "The Joe and Joe Weather Show", Joe Rao (@JoeRaoWeather)
From leading astronomy tours, to getting lost in the dark of the canyon, to almost getting eaten by a bobcat — Dean is back from his tenure as Grand Canyon National Park's Astronomer in Residency with stories to tell! Hear not just these stories about the magnificent vastness of Grand Canyon skies, but also some details of roadside attractions to hit if you find yourself making the cross country drive out west.We are also joined by Night Sky Park Ranger at the Grand Canyon National Park, Rader Lane to discuss how the program came to be and other great stories about the night skies in our National Parks.
What does the billionaire "space" race mean for the future of exploration? And why do we say it in quotes?
Dean is headed off to spend some time as Astronomer in Residence at the Grand Canyon for the next few months, and previous holder of the position and artist, Tyler Nordgren (@NightSkyPark) joins to preview the experience.
We occasionally hear reports of Near Earth Asteroids and perhaps our memories of the movie Armageddon make us expect the worst. But just how near is "near"?
There's an awful lot of space to track and learn about in our skies and not enough astronomers and scientists to document and observe it all. That's where you come in! In this episode Dean and Anna explore some exciting explorations and discoveries in amateur and citizen astronomy.
There are many awe inspiring images from our universe; Apollo 8's Earthrise, the Hubble's Deepfields map of galaxies, Carl Sagan's commentary on the Pale Blue Dot image from Voyager 1. Some find them inspiring in their beauty. Others find them terrifying in their vastness and scale. Dean and Anna explore both camps of star gazers in this episode as well as the significance and stories behind some of these photos
Libraries have long been a great resource for access to knowledge and media you might not otherwise be able to afford. Thanks to a partnership with the Cincinnati Observatory (and Dean), star gazers in the Cincinnati region can add telescopes to that list of resources.
Astronomy meets true crime as Dean and Anna explore stories of stolen moon rocks and urban legends of precious telescope lenses going missing at their own observatory.
What does the billionaire "space" race mean for the future of exploration? And why do we say it in quotes?
In 2019 we all celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first humans to walk on the moon, but August 2021 brings us an arguably more impressive 50th anniversary first on the moon: driving.
The summer months bring longer days with more sunlight and warm temperatures many of us love... but maybe not so much for astronomers uninterested in staying up all night. On this episode Dean and Anna discuss some of the pros and cons of summer stargazing as well as previews of what to look for in these coming months because there's always an eclipse to be chasing somewhere! We are also joined by co-host of Science Rules! with Bill Nye, and former Editor at Discover Magazine, Corey Powell (@coreyspowell) to talk about the importance of science education as well as the numerous international space missions happening these days that may not have made it onto your radar.
From monkeys, to turtles, to dogs, and more (for better or worse) humans have used animals to test different aspects of space travel since its earliest days. This week, Dean and Anna discuss some of those missions along with the their pitches for what signs of life we are most likely to potentially discover within our own solar system as well as what they hope we might find some day. We are also joined by Head Keeper at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Cody Sowers to discuss their recent decision to name their latest baby penguins Mars and Rover, as well as other tie ins between zoo keeping and astronomy.
We all want to believe in the possiblity of extra terrestrial life and there's lots of compelling UFO documentation and videos coming from the Pentagon these days... but what are the odds of actual contact with alien life in the near future? In this episode, Anna is ready to believe, while Dean, ever the astute man of science he is, explains some of his skepticism.
Dean and Anna continue their coverage and discussion of the Mars Perseverance Rover's exciting mission discussing its latest success: flight on another planets atmosphere! They offer their impressions of the Ingenuity Helicopter's first flight last month, the challenges of accomplishing such a feat, and what to expect moving forward.
Pink Moons, Red Moons, Blood Moons, Harvest Moons, and on and on... Just how many different "moons" are there? It seems there's an awful lot of names for allegedly unique full moons these days. On this episode Dean and Anna will explore all of these. They'll also layout some upcoming eclipses so you know what to expect and where to view them.