Photo © Desert Owl Productions.
Former NASA astronaut, Ed Gibson, of Skylab fame (above right) with Geoffrey Notkin during filming of the all-new HD short film series, Views on Space / Views from Space.
It’s a brave new world out there right now, as our global citizenry grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. Strange terms like N95 mask, hydroxychloroquine, and social distancing have quickly become part of our common parlance, while stay-at-home orders throughout the US have dramatically transformed our way of life.
Robert Freeman once observed that “character is not made by crisis; it is only exhibited.” During challenging times like these, people of character find a way to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
Geoffrey Notkin is making a difference.
An award-winning television host and film producer, Notkin has specialized in science-themed educational projects for more than two decades, combining his talents in the entertainment field with his own interests in space and science. The world-renowned meteorite expert, science writer and lifelong spaceflight enthusiast currently serves as president of the National Space Society.
![Geoffrey Notkin [pointing] and the Desert Owl Productions checking footage while filming a segment on World View Enterprises spaceflight company at Tucson Spaceport. Photo by Stu Jenks.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e3f8e7_9d535736e9e54743bdc92e4ebee98ea6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_565,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/e3f8e7_9d535736e9e54743bdc92e4ebee98ea6~mv2.jpg)
Photo by Stu Jenks.
Geoffrey Notkin [pointing] and the Desert Owl Productions checking footage while filming a segment on World View Enterprises spaceflight company at Tucson Spaceport.
Recognizing the urgent need for educational resources to move from the classroom to the computer during the coronavirus outbreak, Notkin has mobilized some of his TV and film colleagues and is now offering high-quality, compelling educational television programming on his free YouTube channel.
Several popular series are available for immediate viewing, including episodes of the family-friendly science adventure series Meteorite Men, which follows Geoff and expedition partner Steve Arnold on a global quest for rare and elusive space rocks. Also available are episodes of the educational series STEM Journals, which Geoff hosted for two seasons and which won two Emmy Awards. That series looks at cutting-edge careers in STEM fields and is geared toward students in grades 7-12. More episodes of both series are being uploaded frequently.
Brand new on the YouTube channel is Notkin’s all-new HD short film series about space and spaceflight, entitled Views on Space/Views from Space. The first episode features Sian Proctor, an African American explorer, scientist, STEM communicator, and aspiring astronaut. Future episodes provide exclusive interviews with astronauts, engineers, and visionaries, including former NASA astronauts Ed Gibson and Ron Garan; John Adams from Biosphere 2; spacecraft designer Matteo Gonna; and many more to come.
Photo by Christian B. Meza.
Geoffrey Notkin tries on a Russian pressure suit during filming of the all-new HD short film series, Views on Space / Views from Space, at Biosphere 2.
“I am uploading commercial-free, award-winning, educational TV programming every day, and will keep at it as long as we have quality content to share,” said Notkin. “It was tough enough for teachers to make ends meet before coronavirus. Now, many must do tons of extra work engaging their students online and teaching remotely. We have the ability to get fun and hopefully inspiring programming to kids while they are confined at home this spring, and I am committed to doing so.”
Other videos available on the channel include Meteorite Minute, a series of short, fact-filled educational films about meteorites; Fireball Steve, a YouTube exclusive from world-famous meteorite hunter Steve Arnold; and new titles being added as quickly as possible.
Discover Con salutes Geoff’s efforts to make top-notch science and educational television episodes available to the public for free during these trying times. We hope everyone will visit YouTube.com/geoffnotkin and check out these wonderful free videos. Many of the programs feature outdoor adventuring and global travels, which also provide a stepping stone for lessons in geography and social studies.
Be sure to check back frequently for new additions to the channel! YouTube.com/geoffnotkin.
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Photo by Stu Jenks.
Geoffrey gets to visit (and film) with one of his all-time favorite aircraft -- the Aero Spacelines Super Guppy -- at Pima Air and Space Museum.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Desert Owl Productions Incorporated is a multi-award-winning production company (two Emmy Awards; four Telly Awards; numerous festival awards) that specializes in creating cinematic science and adventure programming for TV, feature films, short films, and documentaries. Please LIKE and follow Desert Owl Productions on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DesertOwlFilm.
About Geoffrey Notkin: A television host, professional meteorite hunter, author and photographer, Notkin is CEO of Aerolite Meteorites, Inc., the world’s largest commercial meteorite company. He starred for three seasons on Science Channel's award-winning TV show Meteorite Men, and hosted the Emmy-winning educational TV series STEM Journals for Cox Media. He has also made documentaries for National Geographic, Discovery, PBS, BBC, History Channel, A&E, and Travel Channel. Notkin has written more than 150 published articles on meteoritics, paleontology, adventure travel, history, and the arts, and is the author of three books. The minor planet 132904, discovered at Mount Palomar, was named "Notkin" and approved by the Minor Planet Center in recognition of Geoff's contributions to science and education.
"METEORITES ARE THE MOST REMARKABLE THINGS on our planet and they are the only things we can own that are not originally from this planet. Meteorites are rocks that have fallen to Earth from outer space, and survived a fiery passage through our atmosphere. They are the remnants of long-dead planets and asteroids, and most originated in the Asteroid Belt, between Mars and Jupiter. Others may have traveled even further, their origins lying in distant, unknown points outside our own solar system. Some meteorites may be all that has survived from the nucleus of an ancient comet. Others, such as carbonaceous chondrites, are believed to contain materials that pre-date our own planet and even the Solar System itself! As such, they are the oldest things any human has ever touched and carry within whispers of an existence so ancient we can barely comprehend it. And now, I invite you to explore our website, and begin your own adventures in the world of meteorites."
— Geoffrey Notkin - President, Aerolite Meteorites, Inc.
If you are interested in learning more about Aerolite Meteorites, click here.
"We did this. We took a stand for science and education, for learning and critical thought, and we altered the experiment. We invite you to be one of the first to become a member and join us in building a great Science, Arts and Space learning institute in Tucson, Arizona. Our mission is to share our passion for science, the arts and space by providing exceptional educational programs, exhibits and resources that are accessible to everyone."
— Geoffrey Notkin - Founder, Science, Arts and Space Institute
If you are interested in learning more about the Science, Arts and Space Institute, click here.