Known Universe

In space, man's survival becomes a tense, daily challenge. Micro-gravity's effects on daily human activity are just beginning to be understood.The vacuum of space and it's near-zero pressure can kill us in minutes, if not seconds. And the ultimate space executioner may be ever-present dangers of solar radiation. Known Universe examines how man will overcome the odds and survive in space.

For ages, mankind has been obsessed with finding treasure - from mining gold and other precious metals to the allure of diamonds buried deep underground. And, as our technology leads us further into space, we're discovering new frontiers -- asteroids containing more metal than we've ever mined on Earth, and planets like Neptune that may have vast liquid diamond oceans. Our very definition of treasure itself will begin to change as we hunt for new energy sources and the most elusive and important treasure necessary for our survival -- water

The twinkling dots of light in the night sky are really among the most violent spots in space. National Geographic examines these fiery galactic furnaces to learn their secrets. Explore how a star becomes even more powerful in its violent supernova death. Delve into how these powerful stars affect the planets around them, from the utter devastation of their enormous amounts of energy, to the possibility of creating the ideal environment for life.

Humans are continually creating technologies that get bigger, faster, and make us more interconnected. National Geographic explores how science is re-thinking the physics of the universe to take everything from basic household items and vehicles to our most advanced technologies here on Earth and transform them for use in space.

Volcanic eruptions aren't unique to Earth. They're common throughout the solar system. Eruptions are capable of both destruction and creation, and Known Universe explores their astonishing effects on humans and entire galaxies. We'll head to the big island of Hawaii to get up close and personal with one of the most active lava fields on the planet. Is there a way to predict when the next catastrophic eruption might occur?

Engineering in space represents the future of human civilization, but also poses some of our greatest technical difficulties. Known Universe travels to NASA's tool lab to see the equipment we need for building in this challenging environment, from high tech wrenches and hammers to the ultimate robotic handyman, Robonaut.

Engineering in space represents the future of human civilization but also poses some of our greatest technical difficulties. Building in zero-G is like constructing a ship at sea while it's moving. Known Universe travels to NASA's tool lab to check out the gear needed to build in this challenging environment, from high-tech wrenches and hammers to the ultimate robotic handyman.

The world didn't end on 5/21/11 as some feared, but someday it will, and not just on Earth, but for asteroids, comets, moons, planets, stars and everything in our Known Universe. To demonstrate this complex cycle of life and death, scientist David Kaplan watches the destruction of a 16-story building shattering the structure while creating new matter and debris.