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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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!