Watch Asteroids: Deadly Impact

Asteroids: Deadly Impact is a documentary from National Geographic that explores the potentially catastrophic impact of asteroids on Earth. The documentary was originally premiered in 1997 and is hosted by the highly regarded and knowledgeable experts Robbie Robertson, Eugene Shoemaker and Carolyn Shoemaker.

The show begins by outlining just how catastrophic a collision with an asteroid could be, and how we are not as defenseless as we once believed against such an event. The series then dives into the discovery of asteroids, and how they have been monitored by astronomers for some time. One of the most notable of these astronomers is Eugene Shoemaker, who is featured heavily throughout this documentary.

Eugene Shoemaker was the first astronomer to propose the connection between very large impact craters and meteorite impacts. Shoemaker’s groundbreaking work contributed to our understanding of the impact of asteroids on the evolution of Earth, and formed the basis of much of this documentary.

The documentary spends significant time walking the viewer through the formation of asteroids, how they come in contact with Earth, and the various methods astronomers use to detect and track them. Viewers are provided with various simulations of collisions with Earth, some based on past events, and others hypothetical scenarios. The graphics used in this documentary are quite impressive, giving viewers a close-up view of asteroid impacts and the damage that would result.

Throughout the show, interviews with scientists and government officials are included. The interviews are well-placed, as they provide viewers with a clear understanding of how the government and scientific communities have responded to the potential threat of asteroids.

As the documentary progresses, it becomes clear that the threat of an asteroid impact is not merely hypothetical. The documentary delves into the history of past asteroid impacts, with particular focus on the asteroid that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. These past impacts are used to demonstrate the potential harm to human life and society as a whole, should a large asteroid hit the Earth.

Finally, the documentary explores possible solutions to the threat of asteroids. Experts discuss various methods of deflecting asteroids, including kinetic impacts and gravity tractors, as well as the disadvantage of using explosives to deflect them.

Overall, Asteroids: Deadly Impact is an extremely informative and well-researched documentary. The use of simulations and graphics serve to immerse the viewer and give a real sense of the danger asteroids pose to Earth. The focus on Eugene Shoemaker and his pivotal contributions to our understanding of asteroids elevates the documentary and adds an important human element to the story. By the end of the series, viewers come away with an understanding of the true potential harm of asteroids, but also with the knowledge that we have the tools and knowledge to prevent such a catastrophic event.