Ep 5. Moon Smasher/Secrets in the Salt/Bird Brains/Lonnie Thompson

NOVA scienceNOW Season 4 Episode 5 features four different stories that explore various scientific topics.

The first segment, Moon Smasher, delves into the world of lunar exploration. Scientist Peter Schultz believes that the large craters on the moon were formed by comets and meteorites, and he sets out to prove his theory by recreating the impact of a comet on a replica moon in his lab. The results of his experiment are stunning and offer new insights into the formation of the moon and other planets in our solar system.

The second segment, Secrets in the Salt, explores the incredible wealth of knowledge that can be gleaned from the salt deposits found all over the world. Microbiologist Jillian Banfield studies the tiny microbes that live in these salt deposits and finds that they are intimately tied to the history of the earth and the evolution of life on our planet. Her discoveries have the potential to completely rewrite our understanding of the origins of life.

In the third segment, Bird Brains, we meet scientists who are studying the incredible intelligence of birds. Researchers have long known that birds are clever creatures, but recent experiments have shown just how resourceful and imaginative they can be. From using tools to solve puzzles, to displaying complex social behavior, birds are proving to be some of the most fascinating creatures on earth.

Finally, the episode concludes with a profile of climate scientist Lonnie Thompson. Through years of research and perilous expeditions to remote parts of the world, such as the top of a Himalayan mountain and the depths of the Amazon rainforest, Thompson has been able to piece together a detailed picture of how the earth's climate has changed over the centuries. His work has shown that global warming is a real and pressing danger, and that we must take swift action to curb the damage we are doing to our planet.

Overall, NOVA scienceNOW Season 4 Episode 5 offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of science and the incredible discoveries being made by some of our most innovative and insightful researchers. From the far reaches of space to the microscopic world of microbes, we explore the mysteries of our world and gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of science.