NOVA Season 8 Episode 20 Asteroid and the Dinosaur (The)

In the season 8 episode 20 of NOVA titled "Asteroid and the Dinosaur," viewers are taken on a thrilling journey through time to uncover the event that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. The episode begins with a look at the asteroid impact theory, which suggests that a massive asteroid hit the earth 65 million years ago and caused a chain reaction of events that ultimately wiped out the dinosaurs. Viewers are introduced to a team of scientists who are working to prove this theory by studying the rock layers around the world and collecting evidence of the asteroid's impact.

The episode goes on to explore what life was like for dinosaurs before they met their demise. Viewers learn about the different kinds of dinosaurs that roamed the earth, from the smallest to the largest, and how they interacted with each other. Scientists speculate about what may have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs before the asteroid impact theory was developed, and how other natural disasters may have played a role.

As the episode progresses, viewers are taken on a detailed journey through the asteroid impact itself. Using computer animation and simulations, they see the asteroid as it hurtles towards the earth, crashing into the planet and causing massive wildfires, storms, and tsunamis. The episode also describes how the asteroid's impact created a global winter, blocking out the sun and causing temperatures to plummet, which ultimately led to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other species as well.

The episode concludes with a look at what happened after the asteroid impact and how life on earth was able to recover. Viewers learn about the small mammals that survived the asteroid's impact and how they eventually evolved into the diverse array of animals that we see today. Scientists also discuss the importance of understanding how earth and its inhabitants are at the mercy of cosmic events such as asteroid impacts, and how we can prepare and study for similar events in the future.

Overall, NOVA's "Asteroid and the Dinosaur" is a fascinating and educational look at one of the most significant events in the history of our planet. Viewers will be captivated by the stunning animations and scientific expertise on display throughout the episode, and they will gain a new appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things, as well as the immense power of asteroids and other cosmic events. Whether a science enthusiast or simply a lover of nature, this episode is sure to leave a lasting impression.