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Asteroids: Spark of Life?

Season 53 Episode 1

What if asteroids, long feared as destroyers of life, were key to our existence? Explore a revolutionary theory that these violent collisions provided the essential ingredients – water, minerals, and energy – needed to jumpstart life on Earth.

Aired: 01/20/26
National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies and Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
Extras
What if violent asteroid impacts actually jump-started life on Earth? Explore a dramatic theory.
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