HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — If you’ve wondered how gravity and spacetime work in the various “Star Trek” series, you may find some answers at Spa-Con Infinity — Eighth Editions — at the Hot Springs Convention Center September 20 – 22.
Erin Macdonald, the astrophysicist who is the science adviser for all the “Star Trek” franchises, will be there to host a panel discussion about the science of the shows and interact with fans all three days.
“Spa-Con is so excited to have Erin Macdonald joining us at Spa-Con Infinity,” Visit Hot Springs Special Events Manager Alexis Hampo said. “I think she is a huge inspiration for any young women interested in space and science.
“Her panel will not only be entertaining, but I think it also will be insightful and educational as well, which fits in so well with Spa-Con’s ideals.”
Macdonald, who holds a doctorate in astrophysics, is a writer, speaker, producer and science adviser best known for her current work as the official science adviser for the entire “Star Trek” franchise.
She will be present all three days of Spa-Con, Hot Springs’ annual pop culture and comics convention. She will host a Spacetime in Star Trek Panel Saturday, September 21, at 3 p.m., followed by a free photo-opportunity session. She will meet fans at a VIP meet-and-greet session immediately before the panel discussion. On Sunday, September 22, Macdonald with have a Q&A at 12 p.m.
Spa-Con weekend passes and VIP passes are available now at www.spa-con.org.
“Whether you’re a Trekkie or not, I think everyone will get something out of her Spacetime in Star Trek panel,” Hampo said. “I first heard her on ‘Science Friday’ on NPR and I immediately thought, ‘We have to have her at Spa-Con.’
“In her talk at Spa-Con she’ll walk you through some basics of gravity and spacetime seen through the eyes of favorite ‘Star Trek’ moments. No science knowledge needed.”
In addition to her adviser role, Macdonald has voiced her fictional counterpart in the “Star Trek” universe: Lt. Cmdr. Erin Macdonald in Star Trek: Prodigy and the video game Star Trek Online. Through her company, Spacetime Productions, she produces award winning sci-fi films by LGBTQIA+ creators.
She has appeared on NPR’s “Science Friday” and “Short Wave” podcasts, provided commentary for numerous documentary series and wrote and hosted the award-winning “Science of Star Trek” promotional videos for Paramount+. She received her PhD at the University of Glasgow in Scotland and conducted research with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) Scientific Collaboration but left shortly before their 2017 Nobel Prize-winning discovery of gravitational waves.
It was previously announced that this year’s Spa-Con will feature a kids’ cosplay showcase, a cosplay contest, an evening of dance fun at Cosplay Club and demonstrations for fans.
“This year’s cosplay guests are so incredibly talented, and Spa-Con is so thrilled they will be joining us,” Hampo said. “I’m so excited to have new and returning cosplayers this year.” Those special guests include Akakioga, Steven K. Smith, also known as SKS Props, Casey Renee and Eric Woods.
Earlier announced attractions for this year’s Spa-Con include internationally known nerdcore rapper MC Lars, who will open things with a concert Friday night, September 20. Seth Gilliam, best known for his role as Father Gabriel Stokes in the “Walking Dead” TV series, also will be on hand, along with two iconic vehicles with connections to famed movie franchises — “Back to the Future” and “The Fast and the Furious.”
For more information call Alexis Hampo at 501-321-2027.