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In October 2020, a NASA spacecraft called OSIRIS-REx attempts to reach out and grab a piece of an asteroid named Bennu to bring it back to Earth. The OSIRIS-REx team has just three chances to extend its spacecraft’s specialized arm, touch down for five seconds, and collect material from the surface of Bennu. But if they can pull it off, scientists could gain great insight into Earth’s own origins—and even learn to defend against rogue asteroids that may one day threaten our planet. (Premiering October 21, 2020 at 9 pm on PBS)

Spacecraft OSIRIS-REx attempts to grab a piece of an asteroid to bring it back to Earth.

Touching the Asteroid

General - US & Territories

For animals in Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, the normal balance of competition and predation was upended when a war wiped out the top predators. The remaining animals didn’t simply grow in numbers—they began behaving in unusual ways, veering outside their typical territories and feeding patterns. Could it be that it’s not just predators’ kills that keep other populations in check, but also the fear they inspire? NOVA joins a team of scientists as they reintroduce wild dogs to Gorongosa to find out if restoring the park’s “landscape of fear” can restore balance to an entire ecosystem. (Premiered October 14, 2020)

Can bringing predators—and fear—back into an ecosystem help restore its natural balance?

Nature's Fear Factor

How to Take Your Kid's Temperature (The RIGHT Way!)

Human temperatures are not always a steady 98.6°F. Some people run warmer than others, and children are generally warmer than adults. Circadian rhythms, the weather, and even what your kids are wearing may affect a temperature reading. So if your child looks sick, is acting weird, or your thermometer is reading something higher than 100°F, it’s best to check in with your doctor.There are many different types of thermometers, and perhaps more surprisingly, there’s fascinating physics behind these little engineering marvels. Alok and Bethany run through five of your temperature-taking options—from rectal to forehead. They show how to best use thermometers, posit what kind and which method may be ideal for your child (depending on age and the ability to sit still!), and explain the science of how thermometers work.Your typical digital thermometer uses an electronic heat sensor to measure body temperature, Alok explains. A digital tympanic thermometer is “exhilarating” and “fascinating,” he says, and because it must accurately measure the temperature inside of an ear canal, it’s also called an ear thermometer. An alcohol thermometer is also an option, but make sure you have one designed for humans (your child is not a freezer). And lastly, there are the vintage relics of the past: mercury thermometers.Alok and Bethany’s message? Don&#x27;t take these fever-monitoring devices for granted. Not only are they crucial tools to help you or a health care provider monitor your child&#x27;s wellbeing and check for fever; they&#x27;re also fascinating tools.Next time you show off your physics of thermometers knowledge, we bet you’ll get a standing ovation.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/parentalogic">Subscribe to the YouTube channel</a> and receive alerts when new episodes launch!

Fevers can be scary—and sudden. But don’t fear: Hosts Dr. Alok Patel and Bethany Van Delft, with the help of Mia the Doll, are here to illustrate how best to check your child’s temperature and explain what can be done to calm you and your little one.

How to Take Your Kid's Temperature

As global temperatures continue to rise, scientists are wondering if we need solutions beyond reducing emissions. Enter geoengineering. From sucking carbon straight out of the air to physically blocking out sunlight, the options may seem far-fetched. But as time runs out on conventional solutions to climate change, scientists are asking the hard questions: Can geoengineering really work? How much would it cost? And what are the risks of engineering Earth&#x27;s climate? (Premiering October 28 at 9 pm on PBS)

Scientists look to geoengineering to pull carbon from the atmosphere and cool the planet.

Can We Cool the Planet?

When the roof of Notre Dame Cathedral erupted in flames in April of 2019, firefighters battled for nine grueling hours to save the historic landmark. Still, Paris came alarmingly close to losing more than 800 years of history. Now engineers are in a different race against time: to rebuild the roof and secure the medieval structure of Notre Dame. Underneath the charred scaffolding and vaulted ceilings of the cathedral, scientists study the components of Notre Dame’s iconic structure to puzzle out how best to repair it. (Premiering November 25 at 9 pm)

Scientists and engineers fight to save Notre Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire.

Schedule

Upcoming Episodes

Can We Cool the Planet?

Saving Notre Dame

Recent Episodes

Touching the Asteroid

Nature's Fear Factor

How to Take Your Kid's Temperature