Out-of-this-World-Speaker

"That was the best astronomy talk I've ever seen!"

As the co-host of PBS' Star Gazers I brought the wonder of the night sky to TV sets around the country and embody the phrase, "Keep Looking Up!" 

As the Outreach Astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory since 2000, I communicate my love of astronomy through 150 lectures per year to people of all ages.

I combine knowledge, charisma, and technology to deliver multi-media presentations on topics that appeal to audiences of all ages and levels of experience. My engaging style involves a lot of humor and I’ve been dubbed by many students, “The Stand-Up Comedian of Astronomy.” 

Whether I'm talking about stars, planets, comets, or black holes, I bring the complicated field of astronomy down to Earth for any audience.  Please peruse my sample talk topics and let me know if I can share my love of the universe with you.

"Dean is so relatable and makes any intimidating subject fun."

Talk Topics

Tour of the Universe: You Are Here

Rocket through space and sail among billions of stars and galaxies. Utilizing some amazing simulation software Dean Regas guides you through the mind-boggling scale of the universe. Along the way you’ll stop at the Moon and individual planets. Then you’ll make the jump to light speed and head to interstellar space and see all the galaxies in the universe. Don’t worry, he’ll have you back home in time for dinner.   

Eclipse Chasing: Heavenly Excuses to Travel

A total solar eclipse is the most spectacular natural event you can ever witness. The Moon glides slowly in front of the Sun and at just the right moment, in just the right place, the Moon completely covers the Sun. Dean Regas shares his adventures traveling around the world in search of solar eclipses, lunar eclipses, transits, and other astronomical events. Plus he will give you tips to safely observe and photograph a solar eclipse.

100 Things to See in the Night Sky: Stargazing 101

Want to know the name of that star? How do I find constellations like Orion, Gemini, and Taurus?  When can I see the planets? Based on his popular book, astronomer Dean Regas will show you the basic tips and tricks to identifying stars, constellations, planets, and more in the night sky. You'll soon be on your way to finding 100 Things in the Night Sky. No telescope needed. 

How to Teach Grown-Ups About Pluto

Are you still mad about what astronomers did to Pluto?  Do you still think it is a planet?  Chances are you're a grown up.  When kids get excited about everything they are learning in astronomy, they are tired of hearing about Pluto.  This is the guide for kids to break it to you - that Pluto is not a planet - in a way even you can understand.  Based on Dean's new book, he'll follow the history of Pluto, how cool of a world it is, and why it's not a planet. 

I Want to Believe: Returning to an Age of Reason

After 20 years of public speaking at the Cincinnati Observatory, Dean Regas has heard every astronomy conspiracy theory and doomsday prediction in the universe – and frankly, he’s worried. He’s worried that we are slipping into an age of growing superstition. In this rational, often humorous lecture, Dean tackles such controversial topics as: The Mayan Calendar, Moon landing, UFO sightings, Doomsday Comets, Astrology, and the Star of Bethlehem. The truth is out there and Dean shows why it is important to confront superstitions head-on and how you can champion a new age of reason. 

Fly You to the Moon - And Beyond

On July 20, 1969 Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon while astronaut Michael Collins circled overhead.  50 years later, the Apollo 11 mission still is the journey of all time, “one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”  Dean Regas will take you on a journey or exploration to the Moon and back on Apollo 11 with pictures, videos, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that will have you reaching for the stars.  Then we'll look ahead to the next great adventure to Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and beyond! 

Archeoastronomy: Ancient Paths of the Sun, Moon, and Stars

Astronomy was everywhere in the ancient world. If you look at the oldest surviving works of art and architecture, you find astronomy within them: Cave paintings in France, pyramids in Egypt, intricate mounds in the Americas. Civilizations expressed and celebrated their knowledge of this oldest science through works of art and monumental construction projects. Take a journey with Dean to explore these amazing archeoastronomy sites and discover more of what the ancients knew about the universe. 

Comets and Meteors: Shaking Up and Waking Up Astronomers

When something new appears in the night sky, everyone takes notice. Historically comets portended gloom and doom as a change to the status quo. Now, astronomers can’t wait for a chance to observe and study them when they wander close to Earth. And when a meteor hits the Earth like the one that exploded above Russia, you can’t help but look up. This lecture explores where these sudden visitors come from and what we can do to protect ourselves from the next, “Big One.” 

Mythology for Adults: Ancient Star Stories You Can’t Tell the Kids

Constellation mythology speaks to students of all ages. However, some of them were not meant for younger ears. Dean will share the best, grossest, sexiest stellar legends from Greek mythology including Zeus’ affairs, gory deaths, the castration of Uranus, and the real origin-story for the goddess Venus. This uncensored, adults-only version will have you cringing and laughing like an ancient Greek. 

Want to have Dean speak to your group? 

Please contact:
Dean Regas
513-321-5186

dean@cincinnatiobservatory.org