Fans pay tribute to Star Trek on its 50th anniversary

On 8th September 1966, American broadcaster NBC broadcast the first ever episode of Star Trek. Fifty years on, the transformative sci-fi franchise is still inspiring fans and discovering new generations.

So how to celebrate? How to show just what this series means to people? Well, just one scroll through #StarTrek50 is enough to give you a sense of how many people Star Trek has touched.

"I have been, and always shall be, your friend." ??#StarTrek50 pic.twitter.com/qmYRianLtW

— Jacob (@TayloredBites) September 8, 2016

Fans young and old have been sharing memories of the show…

Here is my #StarTrek50 selfie with @Marina_Sirtis in 1988! #LLAP50 pic.twitter.com/ILMg6i87kO

— Brandon Carmody (@brandonjcarmody) September 8, 2016

…and showing their appreciation for the many, many people who made it all possible.

Thank you @Marina_Sirtis & @4TerryFarrell for creating great women Starfleet officers and role models ?? #StarTrek50 pic.twitter.com/XBiTmztpY3

— Female Enlightenment (@OlympedeGouges) September 8, 2016

Thank you Ethan Phillips and @robertbeltran74 for creating great characters and great, happy memories. #StarTrek50 pic.twitter.com/GFq6TrRfWI

— Female Enlightenment (@OlympedeGouges) September 8, 2016

There are thousands more actors, extras, staff, crew and fans and many more who made today possible. Thank you. I love you. ??? #StarTrek50

— Female Enlightenment (@OlympedeGouges) September 8, 2016

Star Trek is about celebrating the things that make us different. #StarTrek50 ? pic.twitter.com/fxJri9u18n

— Rebecca Eisenberg (@ryeisenberg) September 7, 2016

Everyone has a favourite.

Celebrating #StarTrek50 with a nod to the often forgotten DeForest Kelley. Here's to you McCoy. pic.twitter.com/jHAIk8T1Dj

— Rachel ⚡️ (@kirbytherachel) September 8, 2016

No one is forgotten.

Missing you a lot today Leonard. You'll never be forgotten. ??✨ #StarTrek50 #LLAP50 pic.twitter.com/PameesSMji

— Crystal Ledger (@heathledgering) September 8, 2016

Today, of all days, is a day to be proud.

I'll always be a proud Trekkie. I can't imagine, that a series will ever inspire a whole generation as much as Star Trek did #StarTrek50

— Becci♡ (@PresidentBecci) September 8, 2016

Happy half century to Star Trek and full power to the warp engines of the next generation of Trekkers @hmfwalker #startrek50

— Mark Walker (@MarkWalker59) September 8, 2016

Happy #StarTrek50. I'm always looking for an excuse to post this photo. ??? pic.twitter.com/h7O4OFcAb3

— Ideas of Ice & Fire (@IDEASOFICE_FIRE) September 8, 2016

Now, what will the next 50 years bring?

Don't just wish for another 50 years of Star Trek… #StarTrek50 pic.twitter.com/9zpxIwmPie

— Charlie Ashby (@CMWAshby) September 8, 2016