It’s National Science Fiction Day, a.k.a. a time for geeks like me to justify watching “2001: A Space Odyssey” for the jillionth time and hug our Baby Yoda plushies extra close. However you choose to observe the occasion, remember: The truth is out there.

-Holyn Thigpen, AO Community Editor

The Last Remaining Flying Saucer Homes

The idyllic Futuro House, in all its space-age splendor, was the prototypical Hollywood picture of a flying saucer. Made of plastic, these prefabricated, portable vacation homes were built to easily adapt to any climate or terrain, from mountain slopes to the seaside. The Futuros had their heyday in the late ’60s and early ’70s, but sadly, most have been retired in the decades since. The few that remain are scattered across the globe, from Australian beaches to Russian forests.

FLYING UNDER THE RADAR →

Beam Me Up, Scotty!

Check out the real-world locations of these sci-fi film dystopias — Truth is stranger than fiction
This architect imagined an underground city where New Yorkers could survive a nuclear attack — Cold War, hot idea
Boldly go to the set of the original “Star Trek” TV series — Inside Captain Kirk’s crib

Place of the Day

WAITOMO, NEW ZEALAND

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

In Waitomo’s caves, fungus gnat larvae (better known as glowworms) cling to rock walls and hunt with their long strings of sticky, bioluminescent mucus. These curious creatures were first discovered in 1887, when English surveyor Fred Mace and local Maori Chief Tane Tinorau entered the cave system on a tiny raft and, descending underground, noticed starlike lights scattered across the rock formations. On a later trip back, Tinorau found a land entrance, which is still used today by tourists from around the world.

GO DOWN AND GLOW UP →