National Geographic Launches 'Starstruck,' A Celebration Of Space Across Its Global Networks, Magazines, Books And More

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- For 130 years, National Geographic has been helping people explore the unknown, from the deepest oceans to the farthest reaches of the universe. Today, National Geographic announced that it will embark on a new storytelling odyssey, exploring the past, present and future of space across its vast media and entertainment platforms with Starstruck: National Geographic's Yearlong Celebration of Space.

The yearlong commitment to presenting the best of space content kicked off today with the launch of the Starstruck Space Portal, as well as the recent release of National Geographic's updated "Space Atlas." The celebration continues Nov. 4 with an all-day marathon of the critically acclaimed series One Strange Rock beginning at 10 a.m., and with new seasons of MARS and STARTALK with Neil deGrasse Tyson in an intergalactic block of programming that premieres Monday, Nov. 12.

Additionally, two new specials will air this fall: MARS: INSIDE SPACE X also on Nov. 12, and MISSION TO THE SUN on Nov. 19.

Culminating with the 50^th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing next July and a coinciding week of blockbuster Apollo programming on National Geographic channel, Starstruck will rally National Geographic's unrivaled portfolio of storytelling platforms around the spirit of space exploration, and the nostalgia, curiosity and feeling of limitless possibility that it brings.

Starting today, Natgeo.com/Starstruck will be National Geographic's one-stop digital hub for all things space. Highlights of the content across all platforms include:

OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD TV PROGRAMMING:

• Season 2 of Nat Geo's groundbreaking, genre-busting, hit docudrama MARS premieres Nov. 12 at 9/8c.
• A new season of the award-winning STARTALK with Neil deGrasse Tyson debuts Nov. 12 at 11/10c.
• MARS: INSIDE SPACEX, premiering Monday, Nov. 12, at 8/7c, is an unprecedented glimpse into one of the world's most revolutionary companies' plan to make Mars home. Filmed over the course of three years, this journey will take viewers behind the scenes with Elon Musk and his engineers as they persevere amid both disheartening setbacks and huge triumphs to advance the space industry faster than thought possible. 
• MISSION TO THE SUN, debuting Nov. 19 at 8/7c, goes behind the scenes as NASA preps for the launch of the Parker Probe, a historic quest to explore the last great frontier of our solar system — the sun. The special will feature new NASA footage, interviews and animations to further capture this groundbreaking mission, and a behind-the-scenes look at the exclusive team of NASA scientists who have made this skillfully planned endeavor a reality. 
• A brand-new season of EXPLORER programming will launch Nov. 12 at 10/9c, with a special Starstruck episode featuring space lemurs, flat earthers and real space cowboys, premiering Dec. 10.
• Following a wildly successful run in 2014 as the most-watched series ever on National Geographic Channels internationally — seen by more than 135 million people worldwide on National Geographic and FOX — the highly anticipated Emmy award-winning worldwide phenomenon COSMOS returns this spring with COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS. Neil deGrasse Tyson, the famed pop-culture icon, astrophysicist and host of the Emmy-nominated StarTalk, returns as host of COSMOS.
• A special week of Apollo programming in July shines a light on the grit and glory of the Apollo missions and a look at the new era of space travel and exploration. 

LATEST SPACE NEWS, SKY WATCH GUIDES AND STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHY:

• Up-to-the-date reporting from National Geographic's prize-winning editorial team on the Starstruck news page, including live news coverage of the NASA InSight Mars landing (Nov. 26) and the NASA Kuiper Belt flyby (set for Jan. 1), the latest insights on the upcoming blood moon eclipse, and more
• Exciting National Geographic magazine space content, debuting in various issues over the next year, including an essay from November guest contributor Bill Nye on space sailing, and future features celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing
• Monthly sky-watching guides, best space pictures of the month and a spacecraft love letter series (featuring first-person essays written by journalists, scientists, educators and enthusiasts who have a personal connection with the space probe), starting this month on the Starstruck portal

NEW SPACE-THEMED BOOKS, FEATURING ALL THE WONDERS OF THE COSMOS:

• Space Atlas, Second Edition: Mapping the Universe and Beyond, National Geographic's enduring guide to space, with a new introduction by astronaut Buzz Aldrin (on sale Oct. 23)
• Apollo to the Moon: A History in 50 Objects, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of NASA's Apollo missions to the moon that uses 50 artifacts from the Smithsonian archives to tell the story of the groundbreaking space exploration program (on sale Oct. 30)
• COSMOS: Possible Worlds, a landmark publishing event that continues the exploration of the remarkable mysteries of our universe and our place within it, from the legendary Ann Druyan (on sale Feb. 19)
• To the Moon and Back: My Apollo 11 Journey, a pop-up picture book for kids and families from astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Marianne Dyson (Nat Geo Kids, on sale Oct. 16)
• National Geographic Reader: Buzz Aldrin, a new biography about Aldrin's remarkable life and achievements, accompanied by fun facts, quotes from Aldrin and lots of amazing photographs (Nat Geo Kids, on sale Dec. 18)
• LUNA: The Stories and Science of Our Moon, tackling the science, myth and mystery of the moon with fascinating stories and stunning illustrations and photography (Nat Geo Kids, on sale June 11)
• Moon Rush: The New Space Race by Leonard David, in which the veteran space journalist digs into the science and technology — past, present and future — central to our explorations of Earth's only satellite (on sale May 7)

ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCES AND OTHER INTERSTELLAR CONTENT

• International NG Live events with ISS commander and "View From Above" author Terry Virts, as well as COSMOS writer and producer Ann Druyan
• Special classroom and public events about the latest mysteries and discoveries in our universe, with partners like NASA
• Curated lists of the best National Geographic trips and lodges where travelers have the opportunity to experience out-of-this-world night sky events
• A Ron Howard-curated "Places We Love" feature in the December 2018/January 2019 issue of National Geographic Traveler, recommending Earth destinations that are enhanced by our love of space
• Ongoing space-related research on Nat Geo's Open Explorer platform that invites users to join in the discoveries

From the very dawn of the space age, National Geographic has covered the science, mystery and adventures of space exploration with unrivaled access, in-depth news reporting and cutting-edge science and technology.

In 1935, National Geographic and the U.S. Army Air Corps jointly launched aeronauts into sky in the Explorer II Stratosphere Balloon, helping to pave the way for the space program and marking a manned altitude record that lasted for 21 years. Later, in recognition of National Geographic's contributions to space research and photography, astronaut John Glenn carried the National Geographic flag on the first U.S. manned orbital space flight in 1962. And on July 16, 1969, a National Geographic flag was again vaulted into the sky on the 238,000-mile voyage to the moon, with Neil Armstrong observing to his team that it was a privilege that the flag that had "accompanied every major recent expedition," should also accompany the first one ever to set foot on the lunar surface. In 1977, National Geographic was part of the curation of the Golden Record, and more recently, presented the first-ever Instagram Live from the International Space Station with Will Smith in April 2018.

With Starstruck, National Geographic aims to once again inspire people to "look up" by bringing the awe and wonder of space to audiences around the world.

"National Geographic has always sought to tell stories that matter, to create content that inspires others to explore the greatest depths of Earth and our universe," said Gary Knell, chairman of National Geographic Partners. "This year, we're excited to set our sights on space. As we prepare to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the historic lunar landing, we're leveraging the power and reach of National Geographic's global media platforms and the expertise of National Geographic explorers and scientists who are actively exploring the cosmos to extend our love of space to millions around the world."

"We're thrilled to share this slate of entertaining, mind- and genre-bending space content that begs audiences to consider the worlds beyond," added Courteney Monroe, CEO of National Geographic Global Networks. "We can't wait for viewers to experience the power of space exploration that's at the heart of this year's Starstruck storytelling across platforms, and to become as curious and inspired by the cosmos as we are here at Nat Geo." 

"From the dawn of the space age to our quest to explore Mars and beyond, National Geographic has chronicled all the wonder and promise of the cosmos," said Susan Goldberg, editorial director at National Geographic Partners and editor in chief of National Geographic magazine. "We covered the first orbital flight in June 1962, mapped the moon in February 1969 and shared all the details of the Apollo 11 lunar landing with a special cover issue in 1969. We're excited to continue this tradition of in-depth, high-quality space journalism over the course of the next year with Starstruck." 

As the world prepares to look back at a historic anniversary, National Geographic is excited to look ahead at the next chapter of space exploration. Share in the wonder and stay tuned for further plans to inspire everyday explorers at NatGeo.com/Starstruck.

Useful links:

• Watch the Starstruck launch video here.
• Catch the latest Starstruck news here.
• Media photos available here.

About National Geographic
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between National Geographic and 21st Century Fox, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic's media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children's media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 130 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

SOURCE National Geographic

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