NOVA

Science and Nature Series / 24 Seasons

NOVA brings you stories from the frontlines of science and engineering, answering the big questions of today and tomorrow, from how our ancestors lived, to whether parallel universes exist, to how technology will transform our lives. Visit the official website to watch full-length documentaries, or explore our world through short-form video, on our digital publication NOVA Next.

Watch Latest: S52 E6

53m 32s

How an Underwater Volcano Produced a 60-Foot Tsunami

2m 35s

On January 15, 2022, an underwater volcano erupted off the shores of the Pacific islands of Tonga—the most explosive event ever recorded on Earth. The blast triggered a massive tsunami with waves over 60 feet high. Here's how it happened.

Witnesses Recount Surviving a Volcanic Explosion

2m 57s

At 5:15pm on January 15, 2022, satellites recorded the volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai blast a cloud of ash and rocks into the atmosphere. Within minutes, tsunami waves crashed into the South Pacific nation of Tonga. These are the stories of some of the survivors.

Hidden Volcano Abyss Preview

30s

In January 2022, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in recorded history rocked the islands of Tonga. Join scientists as they investigate what caused the blast, how it spurred a devastating tsunami, and if another eruption could be imminent.

Meet Snow Cone the Right Whale and Her Calf

4m 32s

In 2020, the number of North Atlantic right whale calves born in the Southeast was slightly higher than it had been in previous years, but still nowhere near enough to get the population moving in a positive direction.

Saving the Right Whale Preview

27s

The North Atlantic right whale is on the brink of extinction. But a handful of specialists are determined to help save it as they discover new secrets about the lives of these giants of the sea.

Why Induction Stoves Are Better for You and the Environment

2m 56s

These stoves use electricity to create a magnetic field that causes the electrons inside pots and pans that contain iron to vibrate tens of thousands of times. This creates the friction and heat needed for cooking without the energy or fumes from gas stoves.

How Heat Pumps Can Help Cities Lower Carbon Emissions

4m 17s

Heat pumps are a key solution to help reduce carbon emissions. Instead of creating heat, they move heat from one place to another and have a much lower carbon footprint. But can we make them accessible to all?

Hurricanes Are Getting More Destructive

4m 15s

For 100-million Americans living in coastal communities, more destructive storms are an increasing worry. Some are starting to confront the possibility of losing their land entirely.

How Sewage Becomes Drinking Water

2m 51s

Ongoing droughts are straining the supply of clean drinking water. One solution might lie in an unexpected source: wastewater. Through a method of purification called reverse osmosis, Orange County is making millions of gallons of dirty water drinkable again.

Weathering the Future Preview

30s

As extreme weather in the U.S. impacts more people – with longer heat waves, more intense rainstorms, megafires, and droughts – discover how Americans are fighting back by marshaling ancient wisdom and innovating new solutions.

There’s Something Living in Wildfire Smoke

1m 59s

Wildfire smoke can carry thousands of living microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, across long distances. Some of them could potentially infect humans. With wildfires on the rise, experts are studying the risk this poses to our health.

Soothing Science: The Light You See at Sunset

8m 1s

While a sunset may seem like any other ordinary thing, a number of physical elements had to come together, in just the right way, for you to bear witness to this colorful display.

Supported by