Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Dispatches from Silicon Valley Comic Con #SVCC

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin


Silicon Valley Comic Con happened this past weekend in San Jose and it was a mix of real life science and science fiction. 

Let's start with the real science first. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin was on hand to talk about his flight to the moon and his plan to get humans to Mars in the next few decades. He spoke candidly about what it was like to be the second person to walk on the moon, but the first person to take a selfie in space. And yes, he did the moon walk on stage. 

The NASA booth was a big hit. They had scientists on hand to explain everything from the best places to view the total solar eclipse this August (Charleston, SC is a great place) to solar powered airplanes. They also had part of a former planet's core for you to hold in your hands (see below). 



On the fictional front, we heard from one of my all time favorites, William Shatner. You haven't seen a crowd worked until you've seen Shatner on-stage. He takes questions he's heard millions of times and turns them into conversations with the audience that are authentic and entertaining. All of my main stage photos are a little washed out, but I am going to share them anyway. 




Shatner returned the next morning to host the Star Trek Next Generation panel with Brent Spiner (Data), Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher), Jonathan Frakes (Will Riker - Number One), Denise Crosby (Tasha Yar), Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi) and Robert O'Reilly (Chancellor Gowron). They told stories and answered fan questions. Marina Sirtis stole the show.




There was a fun costume and prop auction on Sunday, with all of the items on display throughout the convention. Here are some of my favorites: 

Christopher Reeves Superman Costume

Star Trek Next Generation Costume

Bicentennial Man 

Storm Trooper Mask from A New Hope 



Katniss Everdeen Costume

Back to the Future Clock




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