Professor David Block is an astronomer and highly sought after motivational speaker, who has devoted over 30 years to sharing the wonders of the Cosmos, as well as to encouraging audiences around the globe to always Look Up – and to never, never, never give up! He speaks from the heart; sharing in-depth lessons such as: How to •Thrive on Chaos •Create a new mindset in your personal and corporate life •Stay at, the cutting edge of your dreams and aspirations In 2013, Professor Block was acclaimed by BHP Billiton and the National Science and Technology Forum as South Africa’s foremost Communicator of Science. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in London, at age 19. Professor Block has been a visiting scientist at Harvard University, the Australian National University – and many others. “David Block is one of South Africa’s greatest jewels, an ambassador for astronomy” pens the former President of the American Astronomical Society, Debra Elmegreen. In these broadcasts, Professor Block will share from his vast baskets of experience, in both the worlds of the macrocosm (cutting-edge scientific discoveries) and relating these, to your personal (microscopic) world.
Looking Up - Black Holes Have No Hair
Professor and world renowned astronomer David Block speaks about a phenomenon that has stunned scientists for decades - Black Holes. Prof. Block explains just what Black Holes are, how they are created and whether or not they lead somewhere, perhaps to another dimension? cliffcentral.com
12/8/2015 • 45 minutes, 25 seconds
Looking Up - Cape Town "UFOs"
With the recent siting of supposed "UFOs" in Cape Town that caused social media to implode, Professor David Block separates the truths from the non-truths. Joined by his usual compatriot Duncan Mabaso, Prof. Block answers all the questions that the curious minds of South Africans can conjure up. Listen in to find out if extraterrestrials really did pay Cape Town a visit. cliffcentral.com
12/1/2015 • 45 minutes, 23 seconds
Looking Up - King Tutankhamen
Professor David Block looks into the history, myths and known facts surrounding King Tutankhamen. From Space - The Brooch of King Tutankhamen. cliffcentral.com
11/24/2015 • 45 minutes, 2 seconds
Looking Up - Astronomers in a Stew
Professor David Block delves into the heavy topic of people throughout history who were credited for discoveries they did not make. He exposes some of the greatest intellectual discoveries of mankind that were credited to the incorrect person. cliffcentral.com
11/17/2015 • 43 minutes, 45 seconds
Looking Up - What Should Astronomers Eat?
Professor David Block talks about the importance of adequate and correct nutrition. Just as the universe is made up of energy, so is every task that the human brain and body performs, without ingesting the correct food, one cannot expect to function optimally. cliffcentral.com
11/10/2015 • 42 minutes, 35 seconds
Looking Up 03.11.15
"Whew... this asteroid JUST missed us!" - Professor David Block discusses the asteroid that came past our planet at a distance not all that comforting on October 31st 2015. cliffcentral.com
11/3/2015 • 45 minutes, 11 seconds
Looking Up 27.10.15
Professor David Block talks about galaxies in collision - above and below. There is so much more to our cosmos than meets the eye. Join Prof. Block as he takes you on a journey to the unknown and fascinating aspects of our universe. cliffcentral.com
10/27/2015 • 44 minutes, 20 seconds
Looking Up 13.10.15
Join the prof for another inspirational journey into the wonders of our world. In this episode, he discusses the Aurora, an incredible light show caused by collisions between electrically charged particles released from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere and collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen. cliffcentral.com
10/13/2015 • 41 minutes, 38 seconds
Looking Up 06.10.15
Life outside of Earth? Professor David Block investigates the very real possibility of life existing outside of the planet that humans call home. Whether intelligent or microbiological, this is something that is necessary for the human race to search for. cliffcentral.com
10/6/2015 • 45 minutes, 10 seconds
Looking Up 29.09.15
Professor David Block discusses the phenomenon of the Blood Moon and provides some professional insight into the latest discovery surrounding Mars and the search for possible life on the red planet. cliffcentral.com
9/29/2015 • 43 minutes, 42 seconds
Looking Up 22.09.15
Infrared Imaging from Earth and Space.' Professor Block is joined by Alvise Schiavon from Venice to investigate this topic that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. cliffcentral.com
9/22/2015 • 46 minutes, 17 seconds
Looking Up 01.09.15
Professor Block talks about 'Astronomy & Poetry', he is joined by Mojalefa Malahlela who's pursuing a PhD in Physics. cliffcentral.com
9/1/2015 • 42 minutes, 17 seconds
Looking Up 25.08.15
“Science & Music”. Prof. Block explores some of the great scientists and astronomers who were inspired by music. He is joined by a well known guitarist as well as lecturer Terry Oliphant. cliffcentral.com
8/25/2015 • 45 minutes
Looking Up 18.08.15
As the 28th of September 2015 looms near, one will find many “doomsday scenarios” on social media, including the apparent end of the world. Prof. Block addresses this issue, as an astronomer he explains what exactly will be happening in terms of the eclipse, what it means, and debunks some of the myths surrounding "the end of the world". cliffcentral.com
8/18/2015 • 42 minutes, 28 seconds
Looking Up 11.08.15
Professor David Block is joined by his close friend and colleague Professor Heilna du Plooy from North-West University to talk about astronomy and poetry. cliffcentral.com
8/11/2015 • 44 minutes, 21 seconds
Looking Up 04.08.15
A Death in the Family is the fifth book in this exceptional series by Michael Sears and Stanley Trollop. They join Prof. Block in studio. cliffcentral.com
8/4/2015 • 43 minutes, 41 seconds
Looking Up 28.07.15
“From Astronomy to Lego: The World of Creativity.” The Art of the Brick, the world`s most popular LEGO exhibit, features sculptures created entirely from LEGO bricks. Prof. Block is joined by Nick Dreyer and Jarett Lang for this discussion. cliffcentral.com
7/28/2015 • 44 minutes, 35 seconds
Looking Up 21.07.15
The flyby of Pluto has been in the news a lot lately... but what is it really all about? Then ‘From the Canvas of Life’, Prof. Block is joined by artist Peter Fincham who shares his extraordinary insights. Peter is truly a master of light and shadow. cliffcentral.com
7/21/2015 • 44 minutes, 17 seconds
Looking Up 14.07.15
Prof. Block explores “Travel Perceptions vs. Reality”. You know how one sees that idyllic hotel room in Australia, with a view of the opera house, but when you arrive, you have a foul smelling room facing the abattoir. Experts Nicola and Mirella join Prof. to discuss what one can do to avoid this and deal with it, should it occur. cliffcentral.com
7/14/2015 • 44 minutes, 26 seconds
Looking Up 07.07.15
“Theatre allows us to converse with our souls—to passionately pursue and discover ways of living with ourselves and others." Prof. Block discusses Drama and “The Mood” with Inge James. cliffcentral.com
7/7/2015 • 54 minutes, 14 seconds
Looking Up 30.06.15
Why is the sky dark at night even though there are an infinite number of stars? Prof. Block answers this question and debunks some astronomy myths. cliffcentral.com
6/30/2015 • 54 minutes, 18 seconds
Looking Up 23.06.15
Professor David Block takes us from the toaster to the moon landing, and everything else in between. Professor Block explains why the American flag looked like it was blowing in the moon landing visuals as well as explains how the power in your USB, has more operating power than what it took to get Neil Armstrong onto the moon. cliffcentral.com
6/23/2015 • 57 minutes, 11 seconds
Looking Up 16.06.15
Professor Block delves into the theme of “Looking up on Youth Day: Our Leaders of Tomorrow”. The Prof is joined by special guest Genevieve Savary. cliffcentral.com
6/16/2015 • 55 minutes, 29 seconds
Looking Up 09.06.15
Prof Block looks back at some of the iconic images The Hubble Telescope has produced as part of the 'Hubble at 25' anniversary special. cliffcentral.com
6/9/2015 • 53 minutes, 45 seconds
Looking Up 26.05.15
The Sun is the star at the center of our Solar System and is by far the most important source of energy for life on Earth. Prof. Block and his guest, Karabo talk about the Sun and all its properties. cliffcentral.com
5/26/2015 • 56 minutes, 47 seconds
Looking Up 19.05.15
Prof. Block interviews 19-year-old SA inspiration Jess Myhill with regards to creativity in light and film, as well as her attending the New York Film Academy. cliffcentral.com
5/19/2015 • 54 minutes, 37 seconds
Looking Up 12.05.15
Prof. Block and his guest, Dr Michael Mitchley, look at Human Intelligence VS Robot Intelligence, could robots ever be smarter than humans? cliffcentral.com
5/12/2015 • 57 minutes, 24 seconds
Looking Up 05.05.15
As the world prepares to celebrate 25 years since the launch of The Hubble Telescope, Prof Block looks back at some of the iconic images it has produced. cliffcentral.com
5/5/2015 • 57 minutes, 22 seconds
Looking Up 28.04.15
Prof. Block discusses everything from earthquakes to photography, focusing specifically on Adrian Steirn's photography. cliffcentral.com
4/28/2015 • 56 minutes, 42 seconds
Looking Up 21.04.15
On this edition of Looking Up we focus on the mindset of Dickson Watts, who said: “If a speculation keeps you awake at night, sell down to the sleeping point.” cliffcentral.com
4/21/2015 • 54 minutes
Looking Up 14.04.15
Prof. Block is joined by special guest Adv. George Bizos and they delve into the issue of #RhodesMustFall, a movement by UCT students for the removal of Cecil John Rhodes' statue. They also speak on Adv. Bizos' campaign against apartheid in South Africa, most notably during the Rivonia Trial. cliffcentral.com
4/14/2015 • 57 minutes, 27 seconds
Looking Up 07.04.15
The vastness of our universe is difficult to comprehend with the human mind. Prof. Block helps us to understand the inner and outer workings of astronomy, making complex explanations simple. cliffcentral.com
4/7/2015 • 50 minutes, 4 seconds
Looking Up 10.02.15
Ellis Potter joins the Professor all the way from Switzerland, among other things he is the pastor of the Basel International English speaking church of Lausanne, together with Thorsten Marbach, they delve into the topic of Epistemology, which refers to the theory of knowledge. We discover how we know things, using reason, intuition, experience and revelation. cliffcentral.com
2/10/2015 • 54 minutes, 33 seconds
Looking Up 03.02.15
"If you are not passionate about what you do then that's not your purpose." Professor Block delves into the issue of why we were born? He answers thought provoking questions and gives us lessons on how to find our life purpose. cliffcentral.com
2/3/2015 • 53 minutes, 1 second
Looking Up 27.01.15
Professor Block gives us a lesson on the awesome astronomical phenomenon which is "Four Blood Moons" and debunks the hoaxes and falsities that surround this topic. cliffcentral.com
1/27/2015 • 48 minutes, 41 seconds
Looking Up 20.01.15
Is there life after matric? Three top matric achievers divulge how school leavers really feel. What keeps students motivated? Is it ever too late to start working hard? All these questions and more are answered by the Professor and his guests; Suleiman Momoniat, Lealon Daniel Forbay and Waseema Lombard. cliffcentral.com
1/20/2015 • 52 minutes, 46 seconds
Looking Up 13.01.15
Prof. David Block explores the growing local music industry with guest Simon Hodgson, founder of Love SA Music. cliffcentral.com
1/13/2015 • 50 minutes, 7 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block 06.01.15
Prof. Block is back, bringing us all latest news and developments on the human understanding of the universe in which we live. He delves on the topic of time. Does time exist, can we travel to the past or future, Prof. Block gives us the answers. cliffcentral.com
1/6/2015 • 45 minutes, 48 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block
"Are you hungry?" Prof Block and guest Kenan Groess discuss matters of attainment and personal fulfillment. cliffcentral.com
12/9/2014 • 53 minutes, 20 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block 02.12.14
"Father absence has detrimental consequences for families, and society as a whole." Prof. David Block is joined by Kevin Rutter founder of Fathers in Africa and they discuss fatherhood and masculinity and the role they play in society as a whole. cliffcentral.com
12/2/2014 • 52 minutes, 40 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block 25.11.14
Prof. David Block is joined by Lead Pastor of Gracepoint Gary Rivas and they chat about his journey, life choices and experiences. cliffcentral.com
11/25/2014 • 56 minutes, 35 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block
Today Prof David Block is joined by Professor Edvige Corbelli all the way from Florence, Italy. She talks about her life, her work and career focusing on her remarkable insights on the topic of Van Gogh and the colours of the stars. cliffcentral.com
11/18/2014 • 57 minutes, 4 seconds
Looking Up With Prof. David Block
Professor Block is joined by Professor Marcus Byrne from the University of the Witwatersrand whose research revolves around the use of insects for biological control, which mainly include dung beetles. He tells us all about his findings and how dung beetles are able to use the Milky Way to navigate through life. cliffcentral.com
10/28/2014 • 58 minutes, 30 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block
Professor Block is joined by Mathematics and Chess guru Adam Earle and they talk about the concept of critical thinking. cliffcentral.com
10/7/2014 • 56 minutes, 31 seconds
Looking Up with Prof David Block
Today Professor Block looks up with the CEO of the FNB Consumer Division who tells us about his journey and gives us advice on how to succeed in your respective career and life by knowing your strengths and weaknesses and perfecting your timing in everything you set out to do. cliffcentral.com
9/30/2014 • 50 minutes, 28 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block
Prof. Block is joined by SRC President of University of The Witswatersrand, Shafee Verachia, and they discuss what South Africans - especially the youth - can draw from the Mandela Legacy. cliffcentral.com
9/23/2014 • 57 minutes, 26 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block
Professor David Block has a guest Professor Micheal Sears from Wits University and they discuss remote sensing, kimberlite and alterations cliffcentral.com
9/16/2014 • 54 minutes, 55 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block
Dr. Graeme Codrington is a South African author, futurist and strategy consultant and he joins Prof. David Block in studio to tell us what it really is that futurists do all day. Dr. Codrington pulls no punches and does not sugar coat his answers. He tells us what he sees for the future of humanity and reminds us how lucky we are to live in the most peaceful time in recorded history, despite all of the media attention surrounding current wars. He uses the information of the past to make informed decisions of the future. Prof. Block and Dr. Codrington also explain how the increasing life expectancy of humans can now increase your marriage from a 40 year contract to an 80 year contract. cliffcentral.com
9/9/2014 • 55 minutes, 12 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block
Prof. David Block speaks to Prof. Ray Durrheim – a geophysicist who holds the South African Research Chair in Earthquake, Exploration and Mining Seismology. He studies the causes and effects of earthquakes, and uses the vibrations produced by earthquakes and explosions to study the Earth’s deep interior and then uses this information to deduce the Earth’s structure and evolution. cliffcentral.com
9/2/2014 • 57 minutes, 15 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block
What is the state of higher education in South Africa? Prof Block and his guest Prof Adam Habib, Vice Chancellor of Wits University, answer these questions and more on higher education in SA. cliffcentral.com
8/26/2014 • 53 minutes, 14 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block
Prof Block and Michael Michley from Wits have a chat... cliffcentral.com
8/19/2014 • 56 minutes, 29 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block
Prof. David Block and his guest Dr Marco Andreoli talk comets - their names, where they’ve been viewed and what happens when one enters the earth's atmosphere. cliffcentral.com
8/12/2014 • 57 minutes, 35 seconds
Looking Up With Prof. David Block
Prof. Block interviews Clem Sunter and they discuss the earthquake that hit parts of South Africa, the threat of global warming, the future of South Africa, as well as Einstein’s thoughts on the Israeli-Palestine conflict. cliffcentral.com
8/5/2014 • 57 minutes
Looking Up With Prof David Block
Prof Block is joined by Prof Bruce Elmegreen and the two discuss all things astronomy. cliffcentral.com
7/29/2014 • 57 minutes, 40 seconds
Looking Up With Prof David Block
In his debut of Looking Up With David Block , the Prof chats about moving the cutting edge in your life and letting go of the eclipses that are obscuring your vision cliffcentral.com
