A signal sent into space in 1974, encoded with vital information about our planet, solar system, and anthropology. The binary digits conveyed;
(left to right)
- The numbers one (1) to ten (10).
- The atomic numbers of the elements hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorus, which make up desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
- The formulas for the sugars and bases in the nucleotides of DNA.
- The number of nucleotides in DNA, and a graphic of the double helix structure of DNA.
- A graphic figure of a human, the dimension (physical height) of an average man, and the human population of Earth.
- A graphic of the Solar System.
- A graphic of the Arecibo radio telescope and the dimension (the physical diameter) of the transmitting antenna dish.
I just always found this really inspiring. I highly recommend further reading.
Author’s note: This review was composed days before the unfortunate passing of Mr. Harryhausen. In his 92 years Ray beguiled and inspired generations of science fiction fans with his talents and innovative nature. His character and vision were also unparallel within his industry, as evident in the generosity of those interviewed for the ‘Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan’.
His loved ones have the Starburst team’s deepest sympathies.
When asked where he drew inspiration for the characteristics and demeanour of Mighty Joe Young, stop motion legend Ray Harryhausen smiles, nods, and says; “I thought I’d get in the mood by eating celery and carrots for my tea break so that I felt like a gorilla”.
And Ray has carried that childlike sense of wonderment with him throughout a career spanning over 3 decades - Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan is a comprehensive chronicle of that career. Writer/Director Gilles Penso takes us on a journey from Ray’s first movie, 1953’s The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms all the way to his final feature, 1981’s Clash of the Titans, after which the innovations in CGI began to overshadow and overtake stop motion.
Head over to the Starburst site to continue reading!
And remember, for all the latest geek news, follow @kalshanahan and @Starburst_Mag on Twitter!
‘Enjoy’ the introduction to my article for the Special Superman Issue of Starburst #389, available from all good retailers and online next month!
“If you had asked me before I had started research for this article how many people had portrayed the Man of Steel across various media, I would have used my super powers of guesstimation and said maybe 20. I also would have told you that all of the former Superman actors had formed a street doo-wop gang called ‘The Krypton Crooners’ and could be found on Hollywood Blvd in their bedazzled leather jackets and matching House of El shields.
I’d be wrong on both counts.
The number of actors to portray Supes across Film, TV, Animation and Stage, is actually closer to 50. Which is insane. That’s an average of 1 actor every 18 months. By comparison, I’ve been played by the same person for 26 years (as of writing), though admittedly I haven’t battled super villains on a weekly basis for 75 years.
So for the sake of both our sanities, the list presented below is by no means extensive, but aims to include the most influential of actors to inhabit the role of the Last Son of Krypton.”
So whilst you’re waiting for issue #389 to be released, why not head on over to the Starburst site right now and claim your free, limited-edition Superman Spitcurl!?!
