I also want to tell you that there is likely to be a great deal of public interest in the impact hazard generated next spring and summer. Part of this will be related to the apparition of Comet Hale-Bopp; even though it is not an NEO, it is sure to attract public and media interest worldwide. In the US, there will be additional multiple media events, however. In February the NBC television network will present a fictional miniseries about an impact called "Asteroid", to be followed immediately by a two-part documentary on the impact hazard being made by York Films for the Discovery Channel. Also in the spring is the scheduled release of the National Geographic Society network special program on the impact hazard. And apparently filmmaker Steven Spielberg (ET, Jurassic Park) is once again working on his film "Deep Impact" based on the Arthur C. Clarke novel "Hammer of God". It should be an interesting time, and a good opportunity to get our message out! |
