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Do Aliens Exist? This Famous Equation Offers a Clue

Season 52 | 5m 04s

It’s an age-old question: Do aliens exist? And what are the odds we’ll make contact? A famous mathematical equation, known as the Drake Equation, helps scientists estimate the odds of finding intelligent alien civilizations, but new discoveries and unknown factors could change everything.

National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
Extras
An intimate portrayal of three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s.
The story of how public libraries came to be free and open for all Americans—and remain so.
The dynamic story of funk music, from early roots to the explosion of '70s urban funk to influences.
Dr. M. Sanjayan investigates the largest river restoration ever attempted in the United States.
After the drought, the rains finally come. But can Katavi survive the flooding?
The sisters welcome a new postulant, Sister Catherine, to Nonnatus House.
Follow scientists in a quest to understand how complex forest ecosystems can help cool our planet.
Explore the career of cartoonist Art Spiegelman and his award-winning graphic novel Maus.
Art Spiegelman later depicted the Twin Towers falling in his comic, “In the Shadow of No Towers.”
In this segment of “Maus,” Art Spiegelman illustrated four Jewish victims hung by Nazis in Poland.
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