If you ever wanted the opportunity to learn about space from Luke Skywalker, now you can, thanks to a new seven-part series produced by the U.S. State Department.
Science fiction is becoming jaw-dropping fact, largely thanks to collaboration among many nations. Launch into a real-life space adventure with @MarkHamill, who played Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, in our latest digital story: https://t.co/2yQJF9aiIQ pic.twitter.com/JkcGmjopzH
— Department of State (@StateDept) October 6, 2023
Legendary Star Wars actor Mark Hamill hosts "From Science Fiction to Science Fact," a new promotional series by the State Department focusing on scientific collaboration and innovation in space, such as how astronauts stay fit while exercising in zero gravity, learning how to grow food in space, how astronauts keep themselves hydrated, and how those water filtration discoveries are being used on Earth.
Each section starts off with an intro video hosted by Hamill, accompanied by a few Star Wars jokes, such as how exercising in space is more akin to the jogging scene in 2001: A Space Odyssey and not so much like his training on Dagobah with Yoda. Hamill even goes as far as to weigh in on the Star Wars vs Star Trek discourse.
"Star Wars is pure fantasy," Hamill explains in the "Detecting Microbes" intro video. "But Star Trek is genuine science fiction, and it celebrates the wonders of scientific achievement."
As the actor who played Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill is a great choice for this. Aside from playing a character who remains one of the most recognizable in the franchise, Hamill also has a large social media following, with 6.5 million people following him on Instagram alone. At the same time, his X account has accumulated 5.2 million followers.
I recommend checking out the entire series. There's a ton of fascinating information on space, and if you are a Star Wars fan, you will surely appreciate all the references Hamill makes throughout.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
