NOVA probes a wave of dramatic new evidence, based partly on cutting-edge DNA analysis, that reveals new insights into how we became the creative and "behaviorally modern" humans of today. watch
Since its discovery in 1930, Pluto has held a warm place in the public imagination. So, when the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium stopped calling Pluto a planet, director Neil deGrasse Tyson found himself at the center of a firestorm-a firestorm led by angry, Pluto-loving elementary school students. But what is it about this cold, distant rock that captures so many hearts? NOVA joins Tyson as he follows the amazing story of its discovery and the captivating science that surrounds this former planet, including the possibility of finding more Pluto-like planets in the mysterious Kuiper belt-an area of icy rocks at the edge of the solar system. From the scientists trying to classify Pluto to die-hard 'Pluto-philes,' Tyson meets a fascinating cast of characters with just one thing in common: Strong opinions about Pluto. Based on Tyson's book of the same name, Pluto Files is an exciting and entertaining look at the solar system's best-loved non-planet. watch
Pluto FilesPaid | iTunes
Length: 18:56:52
Aired: 3/2/2010
Since its discovery in 1930, Pluto has held a warm place in the public imagination. So, when the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium stopped calling Pluto a planet, director Neil deGrasse Tyson found himself at the center of a firestorm-a firestorm led by angry, Pluto-loving elementary school students. But what is it about this cold, distant rock that captures so many hearts? NOVA joins Tyson as he follows the amazing story of its discovery and the captivating science that surrounds this former planet, including the possibility of finding more Pluto-like planets in the mysterious Kuiper belt-an area of icy rocks at the edge of the solar system. From the scientists trying to classify Pluto to die-hard "Pluto-philes," Tyson meets a fascinating cast of characters with just one thing in common: Strong opinions about Pluto. Based on Tyson's book of the same name, Pluto Files is an exciting and entertaining look at the solar system's best-loved non-planet. watch