Ep 4. The Doomsday Asteroid
- October 31, 1995
NOVA season 23 episode 4, titled "The Doomsday Asteroid," explores the potential dangers of a cataclysmic asteroid impact on Earth. The episode delves into the science behind asteroids, their trajectories, and the likelihood of a catastrophic impact.
Throughout the episode, experts weigh in on the probability of such an event occurring, citing historical accounts of asteroid impacts, as well as the potential damage that could result from an impact in modern times. The episode also examines the efforts being made to track and predict asteroid trajectories, in order to prevent a potential disaster.
The program features interviews with leading scientists and researchers in the field of planetary science and asteroid tracking. Viewers will learn about the latest techniques being used to observe and monitor potentially hazardous asteroids, discovering just how close some asteroids come to Earth on a regular basis.
Moreover, the episode highlights the methods being developed to avoid a catastrophic asteroid impact, exploring the technologies being developed by the scientific community, such as blasting or nudging an asteroid away from Earth, as well as other innovative solutions.
Overall, "The Doomsday Asteroid" offers a fascinating, in-depth look at the potential threat posed by asteroids, and the work being done to protect our planet from disaster. From groundbreaking research to stunning CGI simulations of potential impact scenarios, this episode provides an informative and engaging insight into one of the most pressing concerns of modern science.
