NOVA Season 3 Episode 7 Ninety Degrees Below

In NOVA season 3 episode 7, titled "Ninety Degrees Below," viewers are taken to Antarctica where researchers are studying the continent's unique environment and the impact it has on climate change. The episode highlights the work of scientists who spent several months at McMurdo Station, a US research base on the southernmost continent.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a variety of research projects aimed at better understanding how Antarctica's delicate ecosystem is affected by global warming. One such project focuses on the behavior of emperor penguins, whose populations have declined by more than 50% in some areas due to changes in sea ice levels and availability of prey. Researchers use satellite imagery and drones to track penguins' movements and feeding habits, uncovering new insights into how they adapt to changing conditions.

Another research project focuses on the ice itself, which is key to regulating global temperatures by reflecting sunlight back into space. However, warmer ocean temperatures are causing ice sheets to melt at an alarming rate, leading to rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities around the world. Scientists use cutting-edge technology to measure the thickness and movement of the ice, including radar-equipped planes that fly over the continent taking detailed measurements from above.

In addition to highlighting the research itself, "Ninety Degrees Below" also shines a light on the logistics of conducting research in such a remote and challenging environment. Viewers see the hard work that goes into maintaining McMurdo Station, from constructing wind-resistant buildings to keeping power generators running in sub-zero temperatures. Researchers and station personnel alike must also deal with isolation, with some team members going months without leaving the base or seeing loved ones back home.

Overall, "Ninety Degrees Below" offers a fascinating look at the science and human experience of researching Antarctica, a continent that plays a key role in our planet's climate system. Through stunning visuals and expert interviews, the episode shows the urgent need to better understand and protect this unique environment for future generations.