Asteroids: Spark of Life? -
nova

Wed, Jan 21 9:00 P.M. NHPBS (11.1)

It's hard to imagine that large meteorites colliding with Earth with the power of 20 Hiroshima bombs can bring anything but cataclysm. Ever since a link was made between meteorite impacts and mass extinctions on Earth, we have feared rogue asteroids destroying our planet. There is no doubt, these objects can be takers of life - but is it possible that giant asteroid impacts were actually essential for the creation of life on Earth NOVA follows a series of discoveries behind a remarkable theory of how the violent destroyers of life could also have created the very special conditions - of chemistry and energy - that made life possible in the first place.

Duration: 57 minutes and 0 seconds

Episode Number: 5301

All broadcast times for this episode: (show all)

Wed, Jan 21	9:00 P.M.	Asteroids: Spark of Life? NHPBS (11.1)

About NOVA:

PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines.

Along the way, NOVA programs demystify science and technology and highlight the people involved in scientific pursuits.

Watch NOVA - Clips, Episodes & Previews

Scientists Attempt To Free Entangled Right Whale

How Trauma Can Alter Your Biology

Lice and Human Evolution

Profile: Andre Fenton

What's the Next Big Thing? Preview

Replacing Body Parts

Future Broadcast times for "NOVA": (show all)

Fri, Dec 12	4:00 A.M.	Ice Age Footprints NHPBS (11.1)
Fri, Dec 12	3:00 P.M.	Ice Age Footprints NHPBS (11.1)
Fri, Dec 12	4:00 P.M.	Hunt for the Oldest DNA NHPBS (11.1)
Sat, Dec 13	11:00 A.M.	The Planets: Inner Worlds NH Explore (11.2)
Sat, Dec 13	1:00 P.M.	Hunt for the Oldest DNA NH Explore (11.2)
Sat, Dec 13	2:00 P.M.	Ice Age Footprints NH Explore (11.2)
Sun, Dec 14	1:00 A.M.	Ice Age Footprints NHPBS (11.1)
Sun, Dec 14	4:00 A.M.	Hunt for the Oldest DNA NH Explore (11.2)
Sun, Dec 14	5:00 A.M.	Ice Age Footprints NH Explore (11.2)
Sun, Dec 14	7:00 A.M.	Ice Age Footprints NHPBS (11.1)
Sun, Dec 14	8:00 P.M.	Ice Age Footprints NH Explore (11.2)
Sun, Dec 14	9:00 P.M.	Hunt for the Oldest DNA NH Explore (11.2)
Sun, Dec 14	10:00 P.M.	The Planets: Inner Worlds NH Explore (11.2)
Mon, Dec 15	12:00 A.M.	Ice Age Footprints NH Explore (11.2)
Mon, Dec 15	1:00 A.M.	Hunt for the Oldest DNA NH Explore (11.2)
Mon, Dec 15	2:00 A.M.	The Planets: Inner Worlds NH Explore (11.2)