NOVA CONTINUES TO FOLLOW THE "ULTIMATE SPACE TELESCOPE" IN SPECIAL SET TO PREMIERE IN 2023 ON PBS

- One-hour film will explore the groundbreaking observations revealed by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and how they could transform our understanding of the universe -

Special will Also be Available for Streaming Online at PBS.org/nova and via the PBS Video App @novapbs

Boston, MA; July 27, 2022 - The PBS science series NOVA, a production of GBH, today announced a new hour-long special that will explore the observations taken by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the largest and most innovative space telescope ever built. The film, slated to premiere in 2023 on PBS, will serve as a sequel to NOVA's highly rated ULTIMATE SPACE TELESCOPE, which premiered earlier this month. Currently in production, the second hour will delve even deeper into Webb's discoveries - following its developments in the upcoming months - and reveal what they could mean for our understanding of the universe.

"It has been thrilling to see the reactions of scientists and astronomers to Webb's very first images and observations," said Producer Terri Randall. "Having chronicled the incredibly dramatic ups and downs of the events leading to launch and deployment of the telescope, it's so exciting to now showcase the stunning results of the mission and the extraordinary accomplishments of the team behind it."

JWST is able to peer deeper into the infrared spectrum than its famous predecessor Hubble, allowing scientists to see farther back in time than ever before. Equipped with state-of-the-art cameras and spectrometers, Webb is expected to reveal new details about the distant - and early - universe, as well as planets in our own and other solar systems, while exploring elusive elements of the cosmos - from the formation of the first galaxies and the birth of new stars, to massive black holes, and more. The data it collects might help scientists tackle the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. The telescope's highly sensitive instruments allow it to collect comprehensive observations and measurements of planetary atmospheres light years away - breaking new ground in the search for habitable planets beyond our solar system.

"We're delighted to continue following these transformative events in space exploration," said NOVA Co-Executive Producer Julia Cort. "The immediate release of JWST's observations has already sparked enormous excitement, research, and debate in the scientific community, as we see the universe in a whole new light."

"This second hour marks the beginning of one of humanity's most ambitious scientific endeavors," said NOVA Co-Executive Producer Chris Schmidt. "The results of this mission will provide future generations of scientists with the foundation they will need to solve some of the cosmos's most awe-inspiring mysteries."

The new special will build on NOVA's ULTIMATE SPACE TELESCOPE, which took viewers behind the scenes through the eyes of the engineers and scientists who dedicated years - some even decades - of their lives to getting the telescope off the ground. The film also featured some of Webb's highly anticipated first images - the day after NASA released them to the world on July 12, 2022 - along with reactions from some of the team. ULTIMATE SPACE TELESCOPE is now available for streaming online at PBS.org/nova, on NOVA's YouTube channel, and on the PBS video app

Slated to premiere in 2023 on PBS, the new special will also be available for streaming online at PBS.org/nova, and on the PBS video app, and available on iOS, Android, Roku streaming devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, and VIZIO. PBS station members can view many series, documentaries, and specials via PBS Passport. For more information about PBS Passport, visit the PBS Passport FAQ website.

ULTIMATE SPACE TELESCOPE is a NOVA Production by Terri Randall Productions for GBH in association with Arte France. Written, Produced, and Directed by Terri Randall. Co-Produced and Edited by Jedd Ehrmann. Executive Producers for NOVA are Julia Cort and Chris Schmidt. NOVA is a production of GBH. ULTIMATE SPACE TELESCOPE is distributed internationally by PBS International.

Funding for ULTIMATE SPACE TELESCOPE was provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Heising-Simons Foundation, the NOVA Science Trust with support from Anna and Neil Rasmussen and the Kaia and Jonathan Goldstein Family Fund, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.

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About NOVA

NOVA is the most popular primetime science series on American television, demystifying the scientific and technological concepts that shape and define our lives, our planet, and our universe. The PBS series is also one of the most widely distributed science programs around the world, and is a multimedia, multiplatform brand reaching more than 55 million Americans every year on TV and online. NOVA's important and inspiring stories of human ingenuity, exploration, and the quest for knowledge are regularly recognized with the industry's most prestigious awards. As part of its mission to make the scientific enterprise accessible to all, NOVA is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in all its work, from the production process to the range of stories we tell and the voices we amplify. In addition, science educators across the country rely on NOVA for resources used in the classroom as well as in museums, libraries, and after-school programs. NOVA is a production of GBH Boston; more information can be found at pbs.org/nova, or by following NOVA on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

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PBS, with nearly 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 100 million people through television and nearly 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirms that PBS' premier children's media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV - including a new 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.

About GBH

GBH is the leading multiplatform creator for public media in America. As the largest producer of content for PBS and partner to NPR and PRX, GBH delivers compelling experiences, stories and information to audiences wherever they are. GBH produces digital and broadcast programming that engages, illuminates and inspires, through drama and science, history, arts, culture and journalism. It is the creator of such signature programs as MASTERPIECE, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, FRONTLINE, NOVA, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, Arthur and Molly of Denali, as well as WORLD Channel and a catalog of streaming series, podcasts and on-demand video. With studios and a newsroom headquartered in Boston, GBH reaches across New England with GBH 89.7, Boston's Local NPR(R); CRB Classical 99.5; and CAI, the Cape and Islands NPR(R) station. Dedicated to making media accessible to and inclusive of our diverse culture, GBH is a pioneer in delivering media to those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired. GBH creates curriculum-based digital content for educators nationwide with PBS LearningMedia and has been recognized with hundreds of the nation's premier broadcast, digital and journalism awards. Find more information at wgbh.org.