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Join Dean Regas, astronomer, author, and space expert on a journey through the stars! Guests from all over the globe bring their knowledge and passion about today’s latest scientific discoveries and advancements. From eclipses to supernovas, from rockets to rovers; there’s a whole universe to explore! Dean is the author of “How to Teach Grown-Ups About Pluto” and “100 Things to See in the Night Sky” and was the longtime host of PBS' Stargazers television program. Looking Up is a production of Cincinnati Public Radio.Subscribe:AppleSpotifyNPRiHeartRadioAmazonPocket CastsRSS FeedThemes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ astronomy news and discoveries • Mars exploration, ancient water, possible biosignatures • exoplanets and habitability • black holes and cosmic end scenarios • rockets, private spaceflight, astronauts’ lives • night-sky phenomena and astrophotography • space history and cultureThis podcast explores astronomy and space science through conversations with researchers, science communicators, authors, and other guests, guided by astronomer Dean Regas. Across the episodes, the show blends timely updates from NASA and the wider astronomical community with explanations of how discoveries are made, what evidence scientists look for, and how new results can reshape our understanding of planets, stars, and the universe.
A recurring focus is planetary science and the search for life beyond Earth, especially on Mars. Discussions examine rover findings and potential biosignatures, how scientists reconstruct Mars’ wetter past, and what makes certain planetary environments more promising for habitability. The podcast also looks outward to exoplanets and planet-hunting strategies, including how astronomers prioritize targets and interpret what new worlds might be like.
Listeners also encounter big-picture astrophysics topics, such as black holes and questions about the universe’s long-term fate, framed in an accessible, curiosity-driven way. Alongside the science, the show often highlights the human side of space exploration: what it’s like to work in the field, how scientific meetings and collaborations function, and how private spaceflight ambitions might influence exploration.
Interwoven are cultural and historical angles—how public ideas about Mars and “Martians” evolved, debates over early astrophotography, and stories that connect space fascination to events on Earth. Practical and experiential elements appear too, including night-sky phenomena, astrophotography, and everyday challenges of living in space.