© 2024 Cincinnati Public Radio

Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

Looking Up

Looking Up: Where No Man Has Driven Before

Published August 11, 2021 at 6:00 AM EDT

Ways To Subscribe

Source: Harper Collins Publshing

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.

In 2019 we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first humans to walk on the moon, but August 2021 brings us an arguably more impressive five decades old feat of firsts on the moon: Driving. With so many complicated factors and mechanics to consider in such an impressive feat, Dean and Anna deliberate if they'd be willing to take a ride on such a vehicle and if we might still be able to drive the Lunar Rovers that have been left on the moon. We're also joined by author of Across the Airless Wilds: The Lunar Rover and the Final Moon Landings, Earl Swift (@earlswift1) to discuss the book and just how significant it was for 20th century engineers to solve the difficult task of designing and building a device capable of reaching the moon and driving on its surface.

Looking Up

Who was the Mother of Hubble? (with Jennifer Sommer)

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!
How Sci-Fi Mirrors the Human Condition (with Jaime Green)

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!
Unraveling Cosmic Chemistry (with Justin Spilker)

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
Finding Light in the Dark (with Sarafina El-Badry Nance)

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!
Maria Mitchell's Comet (with Maria Popova)

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
Listening for Aliens (with Dr. Akshay Suresh)

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!
Astronomy Conspiracies (with Phil Plait)

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
Pictures of the Early Universe (featuring Dr. Alan Dressler)

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!
Hubble's Runaway Black Hole (featuring Dr. Jennifer Wiseman)

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!
A Fellow Grand Canyon Resident (featuring Dr. Jennifer Hoffman)

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!

Load More