Nobody is going to hold it against individuals who have never heard of National Science Fiction Day! It’s popular in certain circles yet almost unknown in others. Reading science fiction literature, watching science fiction films, dressing up as a favorite superhero, and even even attending Comic-Con are not for everyone. But, as it turns out, National Science Fiction Day has become a highly popular and distinctive occasion in recent years, marking the calendar of every sincere and passionate lover of science fiction.
Although it is not an official holiday (meaning it is not recognized or declared by any government), National Science Fiction Day is given some credibility by organizations such as the Hallmark Channel and the Scholastic Corporation. National Science Fiction Day has spread not just beyond the United States, but also to other regions of the world.
It’s now time to learn about and plan for National Science Fiction Day!
The History of National Science Fiction Day
For good reason, National Science Fiction Day is commemorated on this date so early in the year. The date of January 2 was chosen to match with the official birth date of legendary science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, who is believed to have been born on January 2nd, 1920. Mr. Asimov is responsible for numerous outstanding works of science fiction literature throughout his lifetime, such as “Nightfall” and the “Foundation Trilogy”.
Asimov coined several words associated with National Science Fiction Day. He created the word “robotics” in his 1941 novella “Liar!”. Furthermore, he coined the term “spome” in a study titled “There’s No Place Like Spome,” which was published in the journal Atmosphere in Space Cabins and Closed Environments. In his foundation stories, he eventually used the word “psychohistory” to describe a fictitious field of science that blends history, sociology, and mathematical statistics to make broad forecasts about the future behavior of extremely large groups of people.
How to Celebrate National Science Fiction Day
National Science Fiction Day may be a fantastic opportunity to have fun, study, and utilize one’s creativity. Whether you are celebrating alone or with friends and family, here are some suggestions to get you started on how to celebrate this day:
While Asimov was one of the most renowned science fiction writers of the twentieth century, followers normally celebrate National Science Fiction Day by reading novels by a wide range of authors.
A list of some of these interesting authors might include:
- Jules Verne
Born in the mid-1800s, Verne was a French novelist and playwright, and his work made a huge impact on Europe especially as it has to do with science fiction. He is most well known for his books Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea (1870) and Around the World in Eighty Days (1873). - H.G. Wells
This famous author lived from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s and his unforgettable science fiction has been made into radio shows and modern movies, such as War of the Worlds (1898) and The Time Machine (1895). - Ray Bradbury
A well known 20th century author, Bradbury wrote masterpiece novels that inspired a variety of sci-fi writers and creators that would come after him. He wrote Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and The Martian Chronicles (1950). - Kurt Vonnegut
This creative postmodern writer was a science fiction creative whose works were also hailed as strong works in the literary category as well. His books include titles such as Player Piano (1952) and Slaughterhouse Five (1959).
Watch Some Science Fiction Movies
Those who are less inclined to read but still want to commemorate National Science Fiction Day might do so by watching a movie marathon. Bring some food and a few pals, or go it alone. Whatever picture is picked, whether classic or contemporary, it will pay honor to National Science Fiction Day.
- Alien (1979) by Ridley Scott
One of the most famous works of sci-fi horror cinema of all time, Alien is about how “in space, no one can hear you scream” and how a close encounter of the third kind becomes a Jaws-style nightmare when an alien invades a spacecraft. Sigourney Weaver and Tom Skerritt star in this film that went on to have five more in the series over the next 30 years, as well as a variety of spinoffs. - 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) by Stanley Kubrick
In cooperation with Arthur C. Clarke, Kubrick wrote the story about a sentient computer, HAL, and a voyage to the planet Jupiter. This story is especially well known for its scientific accuracy related to space travel. - The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005) by Garth Jennings
What would happen if someone discovered that their friend was actually an alien sent to earth to write a universal guidebook just before the planet is destroyed? That’s the premise of this book. Mere seconds before the Earth is to be demolished by an alien construction crew, journeyman Arthur Dent is swept off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher penning a new edition of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” - Blade Runner (1982) by Ridley Scott
Another fan favorite, this film is based on the novel by Philip K. Dick, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Harrison Ford plays a space cop who comes to terms with his own understanding of what it means to be human. Blade Runner 2049 is a sequel starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford that was made in 2017.
Listen to Science Fiction Themed Music
Throw on some CDs from sci-fi movie soundtracks to get the vibe going. Or, create a playlist on Spotify, Pandora or another favorite music hosting platform. Here are a few songs to get started with that National Science Fiction Playlist:
- You’re Full of Stars by Max Richter (2021)
This song from “Invasion” is perfect for space travel themed films and books. - Ripples in the Sand by Hans Zimmer (2021)
From the modern remake of the 1965 film “Dune”, this song was made using newly created hybrid instruments to give the music an other-worldly sound, relying especially heavily on percussion, strings and celestial female voices. - Almost Human by Lauren Daigle (2017)
The soundtrack from sequel Blade Runner 2049 features this soulful piece. The song also gives a little nod to the 2013 Fox television sci-fi series of the same name. - Ultimatum by Johann Johannsson (2016)
An ethereal piece that provides suspense and drama as the listener imagines the tension from the film Arrival which stars Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner.
Throw a Science Fiction Theme Party
Get those friends and family members who are sci-fi fans together and host a gathering that honors all things related to National Science Fiction Day. Decorate with space themed items, play some of the music mentioned above, and be sure to have guests dress up as their favorite science fiction character.
A super fun part of a Science Fiction Party is creating a menu around the theme. Get started with some of these ideas for snacks, drinks and desserts:
- Captain Nemo
This drink pays heed to Jules Verne’s Nautilus captain from 20,000 leagues under the sea. It is made using fresh lemon juice, guava and raspberry puree, Ting (a Jamaican soft drink flavored with grapefruit juice) and Clement sirop de canne (a spiced sugar cane syrup. - Noodle Bar
Giving a nod to the Blade Runner film (mentioned above), noodles have been eaten in several space films and shows over the years, including Almost Human, Battlestar Galactica, Cowboy Bebop, Prometheus and The Fifth Element. - Gingerbread Wookiee Cookies
Everyone’s favorite Wookiee, Chewbacca, is featured here by simply altering a gingerbread cookie form slightly. Make some marks on the pre-baked cookie dough to symbolize the fur. Then, once the cookies are baked, use a piping bag to make an icing face and bandolier. - Alien Themed Snacks
A variety of different types of treats can be turned into aliens or creatures from outer space. Try decorating cupcakes with green ice cream and just one eye in the middle. Or dye popcorn balls green, shape them into alien heads and create faces with black licorice cutouts.
National Science Fiction Day should be a time to stop and appreciate every author who has ever created a memorable character and even entire worlds. So, whichever author happens to be the favorite, be sure to pay some extra attention to them on that day!