This spring, “Nova” explores Roman catacombs, how weather works and other secrets of the universe. Join us each Wednesday at 8 p.m.
March 21
“Roman Catacomb Mystery”
Beneath the streets of Rome lies an ancient city of the dead. Venture into a previously unknown complex within the tunnels: a mass grave, locked away for nearly 2000 years.
March 28
“The Great Math Mystery”
Follow math from Pythagoras to Einstein and beyond, all leading to the ultimate riddle: Is math an invention or a discovery? Shed light on how math works in our brains and ponder the ultimate mystery of why it works so well for decoding the universe. Watch online.
April 11
“Holocaust Escape Tunnel”
In the heart of Lithuania, a Holocaust secret lies buried. A team of archaeologists probes the ruins of a Nazi execution site to find the truth behind tales of a tunnel dug by desperate Jewish prisoners and their daring escape. Watch online.
Stay tuned at 9 p.m. for “G.I. Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II.”
April 18
“Decoding the Weather Machine” – New
Climate change is arguably the defining challenge of our time. Join scientists on a quest to better comprehend the workings of the weather and climate, and see how they’re finding that we can be resilient – even thrive – in the face of enormous change. Watch via Passport.
Stay tuned at 9 p.m. for the new “POV” documentary “Bill Nye: Science Guy.”
April 25
“Nova Wonders: What Are Animals Saying?” – New
From singing whales to howling wolves, the world is filled with creature noises. But what are they saying? Meet researchers who are deciphering how animals share information, from ultrasonic bat squeaks to spider thumps and mice mating songs. Will we one day be able to write their dictionaries? And what can these findings tell us about the roots of our own language? (Also Fri. 4/27 at 3 a.m.; Sun. 4/29 at 2:30 p.m.) Watch online.
Stay tuned at 9 p.m. for the premiere of the new Arizona PBS original production “Catalyst: Shaping the Future.”
“Bird Brain” at 9:30 p.m.
Long mocked as empty-headed, birds hide surprisingly acute intelligence. But just how smart are they? As scientists test avian aptitude with brainteasers, discover how the genius of birds is leading us to rethink our basic notions of intelligence. (Also Fri. 4/27 at 2 a.m.) Watch online.
May 2
“Nova Wonders: What’s Living in You?” – New
Dive into the human microbiome, an ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and viruses living right beneath our noses. Discover how parasite larvae can grow in our skin, and how ingesting poop in a pill can save lives. Watch online.
“Search for the Super Battery” at 9:30 p.m.
Join renowned gadget geek and host David Pogue as he sets out to discover how batteries work what the future of batteries means for our gadgets, our lives and even our planet. Watch online.
May 9
“Nova Wonders: Are We Alone?” – New
Join astronomers and engineers on a hunt for life on worlds near and far. Discover the next generation of telescopes, probes and robots that are getting us one step closer to answering one of humanity’s biggest questions: Are we alone? Along the way, be sure to watch for ASU Regents’ Professor Paul Davies and a project in the works at the University of Arizona. (Also Fri. 5/11 at 3 a.m.; Sun. 5/13 at 2:30 p.m.) Watch online.
“Life’s Rocky Start” at 9:30 p.m.
Unearth the secret relationship between rocks and life. Travel around the world and back in time to investigate how minerals are vital to the origins and evolution of life. (Also Fri. 5/11 at 2 a.m.; Sun. 5/13 at 1 p.m.) Watch online.
May 16
“Nova Wonders: Can We Build a Brain?” – New
Decode the latest advances in artificial intelligence. AI can interpret emotions, play games, even act as personal companions. How does it actually work – and is it truly intelligent? And are we handing over too much power to machines? Watch online.
May 23
“Nova Wonders: Can We Make Life?” – New
Discover the breakthroughs in genetic engineering enabling scientists to create and manipulate DNA as never before. Explore the promise and peril of CRISPR. Can we cure genetic diseases? Bring extinct animals back to life? Even edit our own genes? Watch online.
“Extreme Animal Weapons” at 9:30 p.m.
Explore the secrets that underlie nature’s battleground. Every animal has some kind of weapon, whether claws or horns, fangs or stings. But why are some armaments huge and extreme, far beyond any practical need? Watch online.
May 30
“Nova Wonders: What’s the Universe Made Of?” – New
Peer into the deepest unknowns of the universe to explore the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. Join physicists on their quest to uncover the identity of these elusive components and their epic battle over the fate of the universe. Watch online.
“Inside Einstein’s Mind” at 9:30 p.m.
Retrace Einstein’s thought experiments to explore the simple but powerful ideas that reshaped our understanding of gravity. Watch online.