Live presentations have been a part of National Geographic since the Society’s inception in the 19th century, allowing people to embark for an evening on expeditions to the far reaches of the world through the eyes of our explorers.
In the past two years, we have expanded the reach of these explorers, photographers, and scientists to include a global online audience, amassing a collection of more than 140 videos live now.
Here are 2012′s top 10 most viewed videos from across a wide array of categories. Enjoy this year’s best and come back for much more. New lectures are posted each Monday.
1. Jimmy Chin: Climbing Yosemite
Jimmy Chin is not only a world renowned climber and photographer, but has also been voted as one of the world’s most eligible bachelors by People magazine.
2. Mattias Klum: Lions, Leeches, and Cobra Tongues
“I go to these places that are islands of wealth and beauty—in hell.”
3. Brian Skerry: Ocean Soul
“All that I’ve experienced, this life force of the sea and the wounds that she suffers; together they represent ocean soul.”
4. Robert Ballard: Restore the Titanic
“I didn’t expect to be affected by the Titanic, but when I found the Titanic, the ground spoke.”
5. Tim Laman and Ed Scholes: Birds of Paradise
“Survival of the Sexiest”
6. Too Young to Wed
“The very idea that young women have a right to select their own partners—that choosing whom to marry and where to live ought to be personal decisions, based on love and individual will—is still regarded in some parts of the world as misguided foolishness.”
7. Part Ape, Part Human: The Fossils of Malapa
“We’re finding that we have just touched the beginnings of the discoveries of human origins.”
8. Exploring the Edge of Existence
“Where did we come from? Where are we going? Why are we here?”
9. The Unconquered: Brazil’s People of the Arrow
“The only contact that’s ever been sustained between the outside world and this group has been one of flying bullets in one direction and flying arrows in the other.”
10. Steve Winter: On the Trail of the Tiger
“I have zero interest in photographing tigers like somebody else has already done.”
Learn More
Explorers’ Best Moments of 2012
Watch All 140+ NG Live Videos
Find Upcoming NG Live Events Near You
More Best of National Geographic 2012
Index: All Our Best
Top News Pictures
20 Best Extreme Photos
Photos of the Year
20 Best Space Pictures
Wanted Wallpapers
Top 10 Discoveries
Most Viewed Videos
Most Viewed Travel Pics
10 Freakiest Finds
Best Kids Pictures