NOVAFair rating?

NOVA· Season 53 · Episode 1

Asteroids: Spark of Life?

S53E01·9.6·January 21, 2026·57m·PBS

Imagine a time when Earth was a molten, volcanic wasteland, heavily bombarded by colossal asteroids. We've long feared these cosmic impacts as destroyers of life, but what if they were the key to our very existence? Explore a revolutionary theory suggesting that these violent collisions provided the essential ingredients – water, minerals, and energy – needed for life to ignite on our planet. Discover how scientists are unearthing evidence from lunar rocks and ancient impact craters, revealing that the very objects known for extinguishing life might have actually sparked it.

Streaming on (US) YouTube TVPBSPBS America Amazon ChannelPBS Documentaries Amazon ChannelSee all

#2In Season 53of 8 rated episodes
#12All-timeof 287 rated episodes
+0.3vs season avgSeason 53 averages 9.3
2026First airedJanuary 21, 2026

Guest stars

Mercer BoffeyMercer Boffeyas Narrator (voice)

Keep going