Known Universe

2009 • National Geographic Channel
4.6
165 reviews
TV-PG
Rating
Eligible
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Season 2 episodes (6)

1 Cosmic Collisions
4/1/10
Could an asteroid impact with Earth wipe out the human race? Known Universe explores what is being done to prevent such an Armageddon by heading to the front line of asteroid defense: the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in Arizona. See the technologies used to monitor the skies for near-Earth objects, including a football stadium-sized rock that will pass close to Earth on Friday the 13th, April 2029. Scientists predict it may be so close that gravity could cause a catastrophic collision.
2 Stellar Storms
4/8/10
Never mind the pesky blizzards and mudslides we deal with on Earth. Imagine dodging frozen methane raindrops, or winds of 11,000 mph. Take a trip around the cosmos to see some of the universe's most extreme weather. Travel to Venus, the hottest planet in our solar system, where temperatures scorch at 900 degrees. Witness massive dust storms that rage for months on Mars. And, head to the Space Weather Prediction Center to see how weather on the sun affects us.
3 Alien Contact
4/15/10
Are we alone? It's an age-old question that was relatively "taboo" in mainstream science until the mid-1990s, when astronomers found planets outside our solar system. Now, Known Universe joins the hunt for alien life as scientists search for planets with similar characteristics to Earth's. Journey to find planets that may support life and discover new space-based technologies that aid in the search for advanced alien civilizations.
4 Decoding the Skies
4/29/10
Our ancestors' relationship with the heavens led to some of mankind's ancient discoveries and greatest creations. The ancient Greeks discovered Earth was round; the Polynesians used the sun and stars to navigate vast oceans in simple canoes; some think amazing structures like Stonehenge were designed to observe the sky. Now, Known Universe examines mankind's first observations of the cosmos to understand how they put us on the path to modern discovery.
5 Final Frontiers
5/6/10
More than 70 percent of Earth is covered in water, but we've only explored roughly 5 percent of it. We've roamed even less of our solar system. Until recently, scientists haven't had the tools necessary to traverse either of these alien environments. Now, armed with some of the latest advances, we join scientists on a voyage into the unknown — from the far reaches of space to the extreme depths of our oceans — where new discoveries have experts questioning everything we know about the universe, and ultimately ourselves.
6 Cosmic Fury
5/13/10
Earthquakes and volcanoes pose an unpredictable and deadly threat here on Earth, but they also occur far out in the universe. What can we learn from these interplanetary phenomena that may help us predict when Mother Nature will next unleash her fury? Scientists are looking to Io, a moon of Jupiter that is jam-packed with volcanoes, for insights. Then we'll travel deep under the Earth's crust to see the physical source of these catastrophic events.

About this show

Known Universe explores some of the most fascinating mysteries of our universe.

Ratings and reviews

4.6
165 reviews
A Google user
July 16, 2012
I've always been a huge fan of learning more about the universe and hoping to one day be able to witness either new life, first extraterrestrial living on the Moon or Mars, first long voyage, etc. before my time is up. It is great to know that scientists are doing their very best to study and further expand their knowledge so that we can be one step closer to exploring the vast universe and soon to colonize other planets that'll be beneficial to us. I highly recommend purchasing this series since it covers many basics, topics and full of new discoveries of what surrounds us everyday. Knowledge is power.
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A Google user
January 15, 2016
Ahh the universe. The only thing I didn't like about this series is that it appears to be "dumbed down" so that people who don't follow any sciences can enjoy. Other than feeling like I'm being presented info like a 1st grade child this has for the most part been enjoyable.
8 people found this review helpful
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A Google user
September 3, 2012
I'm a big fan of Science, astronomy in particular, and this is one of those shows that I keep coming back to over and over again. It's designed with all viewers in mind and while touching on some complex ideas, presents the information in a way that everyone should be able to understand. I'd definitely recommend this show for anyone curious about science, space, and the myriad of innovations brought about by humanity's search for knowledge.
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