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Discover the Science of 'Star Wars' and 'Black Panther' at Future Con

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By Mindy Weisberger
published

Over three days, Future Con, a celebration of all the marvelous ways in which science drives the made-up worlds and technologies of speculative fiction, brings science-centric programs, special guests and exhibits to Awesome Con, also known as "Washington DC's Comic Con," according to the Awesome Con website.

And Live Science will be on hand to share a glimpse of Future Con highlights, from the droids of "Star Wars" — especially fan-favorite newcomer, BB-8 — to the sophisticated, vibranium-infused technology of Wakanda, featured in the blockbuster film "Black Panther." [Nanotech's Big Ideas: From Tumor Zappers to Space Elevators]

But there will be plenty of real-world science and scientists on hand as well. NASA experts will explain how researchers explore some of the most extreme environments on Earth, to learn more about our dynamic planet and to prepare for visits to distant worlds.

Meanwhile, engineers and innovators will offer a tantalizing peek into the techniques that shape the most innovative new technologies. And former astronauts will share tales of their journeys into space, and discuss where federal space agencies and the commercial space industry might lead us next.

Other panels will touch on missions to Mars and Jupiter; the logistics of colonizing other worlds; the astrophysics of "Star Trek"; and the biomechanics of impossible "monsters" that show up in movies to wreak havoc in major cities.

And in a special adults-only session on Friday evening, marine biologists will share the mysterious and complex reproductive practices of ocean creatures (audience members are encouraged to bring any questions that may have occurred to them after viewing the human and fish-person coupling in "The Shape of Water").

Awesome Con/Future Con runs from March 31 to April 1. View the full program on Awesome Con's website, and check back with Live Science all weekend for Future Con updates!

Original article on Live Science.

Mindy Weisberger
Mindy Weisberger
Live Science Contributor

Mindy Weisberger is an editor at Scholastic and a former Live Science channel editor and senior writer. She has reported on general science, covering climate change, paleontology, biology, and space. Mindy studied film at Columbia University; prior to Live Science she produced, wrote and directed media for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Her videos about dinosaurs, astrophysics, biodiversity and evolution appear in museums and science centers worldwide, earning awards such as the CINE Golden Eagle and the Communicator Award of Excellence. Her writing has also appeared in Scientific American, The Washington Post and How It Works Magazine.