Star Trek First Contact Day

Star Trek First Contact Day

“Star Trek”, one of the finest canons of sci-fi lore, is held in high regard by hosts of die-hard fans who cherish the series’ philosophies, outlooks, and optimism. Star Trek First Contact Day celebrates one of the most pivotal moments in the show’s history. April 5 marks the day in Star Trek when the Vulcan alien race first came to Earth and made contact with humans. This day marks perhaps the most pivotal moment in all of Star Trek and the future that came blasting forth from it into the final frontier.

Also see: Star Trek Day on September 8th

History of First Contact Day

First Contact Day is an unofficial holiday, and it isn’t clear when exactly it started. Trek fans picked it up at some point, perhaps after the release of the 1996 film “Star Trek: First Contact,” and have carried it on throughout the years. Much like a real national holiday, Within the context of the show, First Contact Day is a monumental historical event. For us, First Contact Day is our excuse to revisit our favorite pieces of “Star Trek” mythos, whether it be tv or film.

Canonically within “Star Trek,” First Contact Day is April 5, 2063. A little behind the scenes trivia: “Star Trek: First Contact” co-writer Ronald D. Moore’s son’s birthday is April 5, hence the date choice.

First Contact Day is a tribute to the day when the human race first meets the extraterrestrial beings known as Vulcans. Dr. Zefram Cochrane, played by James Cromwell in the ’96 film, is the inventor of the warp drive, the device that allows for faster than light space travel, and pilot of the Phoenix, the spacecraft that conducts Earth’s first successful warp travel. The Vulcan crew, passing through Earth’s solar system on a survey mission, pick up the Phoenix’s warp signature and detour over to Earth. The Vulcan crew make landfall, sign the signature Vulcan salute, and make the acquaintance of Dr. Cochrane. First Contact is made, and thus turns the intergalactic tide.

How to Celebrate First Contact Day

• Observe First Contact Day by watching the motion picture “Star Trek: First Contact.” It features the crew of the Next Generation series with Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) at the helm of the USS Enterprise and is considered one of the best Star Trek movies ever made.
• The series “Star Trek: Voyager” features the episode “Homestead” that touches on the importance of First Contact Day. Give it a watch if you’re keen to discover more
• Dress for the part! Wear your favorite “Star Trek” gear as watch or rewatch your favorite Trek moments.
• Cheese pierogies are the favorite food of Dr. Zefram Cochrane. Do as the good doctor does! Whip yourself up some zesty pasty and feast as you watch some Trek. Maybe over a glass of whiskey, too. The good Doc wasn’t above getting nice and sloshed now and then.
• If nothing else, binge some “Star Trek.” Any “Star Trek,” man! Movies, tv shows, classics, recent releases, whatever your preference. Travel to the great unknowns and beyond this April 5 and honor the legacy of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry’s groundbreaking work.