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

Astronomy Conspiracies (with Phil Plait)

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.

Science

Astronomy

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

What's a Sonic Thump? (with NASA Quesst's Jonathan Rathsam and Ed Haering)

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

Inside the Alien World of Scavenger's Reign (with Joe Bennett and Chris Prynoski)

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

Pale Blue Perspective (with Ann Druyan)

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

Catching Eclipse Fever (with Dante Centuori)

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

Astronomy Conspiracies (with Phil Plait)

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