An annual NBC tradition is airing “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Christmas Eve -- but there’s something you might not know.

DETROIT – As you probably know, an annual NBC tradition is airing “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Christmas Eve -- and this year, more than any other year, we need that movie. There is a way cool science angle to the movie that nobody knows about: Near the beginning, remember the scene where the angels in heaven choose an angel named Clarence to head to Earth to save George Bailey? Well, there’s an ultra-cool science angle to that scene. Check out my explanation in the short video above -- it’ll make your Christmas even more special! RELATED: Best Christmas movie?

1991: Film director Frank Capra, best known for movies like "It Happened One Night" and "It's a Wonderful Life," dies of a heart attack in his sleep at the age of 94 in La Quinta, California. Capra won Academy Awards for Best Director for "It Happened One Night," "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and "You Can't Take It With You," and also earned three more nominations in his career. Hide Caption

1997: Actor James Stewart, best known for movies such as "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "The Philadelphia Story," "It's a Wonderful Life," "Rear Window" and "Vertigo," dies of a blood clot in his lung at age 89 in Beverly Hills, California. Stewart won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "The Philadelphia Story" and was nominated for another four Oscars. He also was a World War II and Cold War veteran, rising to the rank of brigadier general in the United States Air Force Reserve. Hide Caption