National Science Fiction Day, January 2nd, celebrates the genre of science fiction, from the early writing pioneers, television shows, blockbuster movies, and everything in between; it's the day to recognize sci-fi in all its glory and the impact on culture worldwide. The Hallmark Channel and the Scholastic Corporation recognize National Science Fiction Day.
Science fiction is a category of fiction writing that explores advanced technology, space exploration, travelling through time, alternate universes and aliens, often in futuristic settings. The national day was chosen to correspond with the birthdate of sci-fi writer Isaac Asimov, considered one of the "Big Three" science fiction writers of his era and easily one of the most prolific, with over 500 written and edited books to his credit.
The earliest science fiction can probably be traced back to ancient times with mythology stories often including modern sci-fi characteristics. The satirial novella "A True Story" by Lucian of Samosata is considered to be the first science fiction text. The first science fiction movie was "A Trip to the Moon" in 1920. Almost two decades later, the first sci-fi television program appeared on the BBC in 1938, and adaptation of the play "RUR", written by the Czech playwright Karel Čapek.
Science fiction has had a huge impact on the culture at large, often giving insights and even predictions of future technological advancements. The medium has also been used as a means of social commentary, whether it be dangers of misusing high technology, society losing its humanty due to technology, or government totalitarianism by way of tech. Mostly, science fiction provides a captivating escape. National Science Fiction is the perfect way to commemorate the most impactful genre of literature and entertainment we've ever seen.
Read a science fiction book or watch a movie today and enjoy National Science Fiction Day.
What's your favorite science fiction book or movie? 
A few of my favorites, in no particular order.
Books:
"Dune" by Frank Herbert
"The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury
Movies:
"The Day the Earth Stood Stil" original 1951 version
"Interstellar"
"Ex Machina"
"Dune" 1984 version
TV:
"Star Trek" original series
"Dr. Who" all of them
"Buck Rogers"
"Battlestar Galactica" original series
"V" original mini series
-Cryptocanny