National Geographic Specials
For over 30 years, the National Geographic Society has presented specials on nature, foreign culture, scientific breakthroughs, and things which fall under the general category of "neat stuff." Each special is self-contained.
- 1965-2011
- 2011 seasons
- CBS
- Documentary
For over 30 years, the National Geographic Society has presented specials on nature, foreign culture, scientific breakthroughs, and things which fall under the general category of "neat stuff." Each special is self-contained.
Season 1997 Episode Guide
6 Episodes 1997
Episode 1
Asteroids: Deadly Impact
Tue, Feb 25, 1997 55 mins
In hopes of being the first geologist on the moon, Eugene Shoemaker became an expert in impact craters. After studying craters produced by atomic bomb tests, Gene realized, contrary to current geological thought, that the Earth has been bombarded in the past by large objects from space. These impacts produced huge craters such as the ones in Arizona and the Ries Basin in Germany. After being rejected by the astronaut program for medical reasons, he and his wife Carolyn started a telescope search for near-Earth objects that could pose a collision threat. Working with astronomer David Levy, they found quite a few comets and asteroids, including the famous comet Shoemaker-Levy-9 which collided with Jupiter. Could Earth be next in this cosmic shooting-gallery? And what could we do about it, if anything?
Episode 1
Asteroids: Deadly Impact
Tue, Feb 25, 1997 55 mins
In hopes of being the first geologist on the moon, Eugene Shoemaker became an expert in impact craters. After studying craters produced by atomic bomb tests, Gene realized, contrary to current geological thought, that the Earth has been bombarded in the past by large objects from space. These impacts produced huge craters such as the ones in Arizona and the Ries Basin in Germany. After being rejected by the astronaut program for medical reasons, he and his wife Carolyn started a telescope search for near-Earth objects that could pose a collision threat. Working with astronomer David Levy, they found quite a few comets and asteroids, including the famous comet Shoemaker-Levy-9 which collided with Jupiter. Could Earth be next in this cosmic shooting-gallery? And what could we do about it, if anything?
Episode 2
Tigers of the Snow
Sat, Apr 5, 1997
Ventures into coastal Siberia to track down the Siberian Tiger.
Episode 3
Volcano: Nature's Inferno
Fri, Aug 15, 1997
A firsthand look at volcanoes throughout the world.
Episode 4
Sonoran Desert: A Violent Eden
Sat, Sep 27, 1997
The Sonoran Desert's spectacular landscape supports a community of plant and animal life including the Saguaro cactus, nectar bat, and Gila monster.
Episode 5
Spitting Mad: Wild Camel of the Andes
Sun, Nov 30, 1997
Looks at the dangerous existence of the Andean guanaco.
Episode 6
Foxes of the Kalahari
Fri, Aug 15, 1997
Africa's Kalahari Desert is one of the harshest places in the world. When the desert dries out after the rainy season the bat-eared fox must outsmart hungry jackals, cheetahs, and lions for its next meal.