Looking Up: True Crime Meets Scientific Research (Featuring Sam Kean)

Published September 8, 2021 at 6:00 AM EDT

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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.

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. All of this is to expand upon the stories of our guest Sam Kean (@sam_kean), author of the new book The Icepick Surgeon: Murder, Fraud, Sabotage, Piracy, and Other Dastardly Deeds Perpetrated in the Name of Science.

Looking Up

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

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
Pale Blue Perspective (with Ann Druyan)

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
Catching Eclipse Fever (with Dante Centuori)

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
Problem Solving in Space (with Andy Weir)

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
The Cosmos on a Budget (with John Read)

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
Astronomy for Everyone at Lowell Observatory (with Kevin Schindler)

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
Robotic Space Worms (with Dr. Riddhi Das)

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
The World's Largest Refracting Telescope (with Dr. Amanda Bauer)

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!
Half the Park Is After Dark (with Rader Lane)

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!
The Mysteries Under Our Feet (With Dr. Sabine Stanley)

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.