When did NOVA Season 53 Episode 1 air?
NOVA Season 53 Episode 1 aired on January 21, 2026 at 9 PM ET.
NOVA
PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines. Along the way, NOVA demystifies science and technology, and highlights the people involved in scientific pursuits.
Season 53 · Episode 1
Asteroids: Spark of Life?
Aired Jan 21, 2026at 9PM·54m
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.
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How long is NOVA Season 53 Episode 1?
This episode runs for approximately 54 minutes.
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