New York Comic-Con 2018: Space Panels to Watch For

New York fans of space and science fiction, get ready: It's time for New York Comic-Con 2018!

While it was originally aimed at comics fans, New York Comic Con these days features panels on pop culture and nerdery of all stripes, often including beloved franchises for space fans as well as panels on the science of science fiction. And while NASA's not making an appearance this year, there are plenty of space-themed panels to see during the convention, which stretches from Oct. 4 to Oct. 7.

From "Doctor Who" to "Star Trek," "Star Wars" to "Nightflyers," some of the most anticipated science fiction and space shows of the year have panels this year in New York City. Plus, National Geographic's "Mars" and Fox's "Cosmos" will show off their latest seasons, and Neil deGrasse Tyson's "StarTalk" podcast will once again appear. Train your children to be Jedi, see the latest "Star Wars" toys and more. [New York Comic Con 2017: The Most Amazing Space Cosplay Photos]

Read on for Space.com's panel and event picks!

Thursday (Oct. 4)

"When Earthlings Become Martians: National Geographic's Mars, Season 2" (3-4 p.m. EDT, Javits Center Room 1A10) - see the bottom of this article for some notes about the panel locations

Over the course of six episodes last year, the first season of National Geographic's "Mars" followed a fictional crew attempting to colonize the Red Planet, folding in real-world science along the way. In this panel for "Mars" Season 2, a superstar panel including the physicist Michio Kaku, writer Andy Weir (author of "The Martian"), journalist Stephen Petranek (author of "How We'll Live on Mars") and astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz join actors and producers from the show to "discuss the major issues in terraforming Mars and get real about consequences of every singular action and decision Earthlings will make when they become Martians — from having babies, to catching colds . . . even to experiencing love and sex on Mars," according to the panel description. ['Mars': The Epic National Geographic Channel Miniseries in Pictures]

"Cowboy Bebop 20th Anniversary" (4-5 p.m. EDT, Javits Center Room 1A06)

This beloved spacefaring anime turns 20! This panel includes scriptwriters, a character designer and a mechanical designer for the show, who will discuss its legacy. (Fans with tickets for Anime Fest @ NYCC can also catch a behind-the-scenes panel Oct. 5.

"Get An Exclusive Preview of YouTube Premium's New Sci-Fi Thriller ORIGIN Starring Tom Felton and Natalia Tena" (4:30-5:30 p.m. EDT, Hammerstein Ballroom)

According to the panel description, "In 'Origin,' a group of outsiders seek a clean slate on a colonized planet but are jarred awake on their journey as an asteroid collision damages their spaceship, leaving them stranded. The abandoned passengers discover a terrifying truth and must work together for survival, but quickly realize that one of them is far from who they claim to be."

Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy Discussion (5:30-6:30 p.m. EDT, Javits Center Room 1A21)

This panel brings in Amy Ratcliffe, author of "Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy" (to be published Oct. 30, 2018), together with artist contributors to the book to discuss characters from across the "Star Wars" canon (and former canon).

Facebook Watch's Animated Series: "Human Kind Of" and "Liverspots and Astronots" (5:30-6:30 p.m. EDT, Javits Center Room 1A10)

Creators, writers and surprise guests — I would assume actors from the shows — will discuss and offer sneak peaks of these two upcoming animated series, one of which follows a half-extraterrestrial teenager discovering her powers and the other a surreal nursing home floating through space.

A Night With Bestselling Author Andy Weir (6:30-7:30 p.m. EDT, Shop Studios)

This event with "The Martian" and "Artemis" author Andy Weir was originally a separate ticketed event, but it's now open to everyone with New York Comic-Con badges. Those who sign up for tickets and a pre-signed copy of "Artemis" will get priority seating, though. [Here's What 'Artemis' Author Andy Weir Thinks of NASA's Moon Plan]

StarTalk @ New York Comic Con, Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson (7:45-8:45 p.m. EDT, Main Stage)

Join astrophysicist and science popularizer Neil deGrasse Tyson, theoretical physicist Brian Greene and others for "a wibbly wobbly, timey wimey evening of time travel, quantum states, wormholes, and more," according to the panel information. Because this show is on the Main Stage, you have to get in line earlier in the day — ideally, first thing in the morning — at the convention's Queue Hall to get a wristband for access to the evening event. Then get in line again that evening to get a good seat.

Friday (Oct. 5)

DreamWorks Tales of Arcadia: 3Below, a Netflix Original Series (4-5 p.m. EDT, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden)

Guillermo Del Toro helms this Netflix original series about royal teenage aliens fleeing a takeover; the panel will include Del Toro as well as the show's producers and actor Diego Luna ("Rogue One: A Star Wars Story").

Lucasfilm Presents: Our Star Wars Stories (1:45-2:45 p.m. EDT, Javits Center Room 1A10)

This panel focuses on a new digital series from StarWars.com, "Our Star Wars Stories," which highlights "the power of Star Wars fandom."

Nightflyers World Premiere Screening and Q&A (4-5 p.m. EDT, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden)

Watch the first episode of "Nightflyers," the science-fiction horror story based on George R.R. Martin's 1980 novella, then turn your terrified questions to a panel of actors and producers for a Q&A. (There's also a quick cast interview on the show floor stage, Booth 174, at 2:30 p.m.)

Saturday (Oct. 6)

Roswell, New Mexico World Premiere Pilot Screening and Q&A (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDT, Javits Center Room 1A06)

See the world premiere screening of the pilot for "Roswell, New Mexico," a reboot of the teen alien drama "Roswell" based the "Roswell High" book series. Afterward, there's a Q&A with the cast and creators.

The Orville (3-4 p.m. EDT, Hammerstein Ballroom)

The cast and crew of the "Star Trek"-influenced comedy "The Orville" will discuss the show and share sneak peeks of Season 2.

Star Trek: Discovery (4-5 p.m. EDT, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden)

Get ready for Season 2 of "Star Trek: Discovery" on CBS: All Access with this cast and crew panel. What's to come for Michael Burnham and the crew of the Discovery? [Where Should 'Star Trek: Discovery' Boldly Go in Season 2? We've Got A Few Ideas]

History's Project Blue Book (4:15-5:15 p.m. EDT, Javits Center Room 1A10)

Series stars and producers will host a Q&A about the new drama series, which the panel description says "is based on the true, Top Secret investigations into UFOs and related phenomena conducted by the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1969."

Sometimes, It Really Is Rocket Science: Putting the Science in Fiction (5:30-6:30 p.m. EDT, Javits Center Room 1A21)

Science-fiction authors and editors lead a panel on how to add scientific accuracy to fiction without slowing down the action.

Sunday (Oct. 7)

Saber Guild's Padawan Training Institute (1:15-2:15 p.m. EDT, Javits Center Room 1C03)

It may take the patience of a Jedi master to bring kids to as crowded an event as Comic-Con — why not take the time to train them, too? From the event description: "All Padawans will be handed a real training lightsaber and taught the ancient battle forms and techniques from a true Jedi Master. Trainings are limited to 15 Padawans per each of the two half hour sessions, so sign up early!"

America's Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers (12:15-1:15 p.m. EDT, Javits Center Room 1A18)

A star-studded panel of authors featured in this year's "Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy" series, edited by N.K. Jemisin and John Joseph Adams. Besides those two, the panel includes Maria Dahvana Headley, Carmen Maria Machado, Matt Kressel and Charlie Jane Anders. According to the description, "Come hear these genre titans discuss the ever-expanding and changing world of science fiction and fantasy."

Hasbro Star Wars (1:15-2:15 p.m. EDT, Javits Center Room 1A02)

Get a first look at the new line of "Star Wars" action figures and other toys from Hasbro. There's also a preview on Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. on the show floor stage, Booth 174.

Doctor Who – BBC America Official Panel (1:45-3:30 p.m. EDT, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden)

Watch the first episode live as it simultaneously premieres in the U.K.! After the screening, stay for a Q&A with Jodie Whittaker, who plays the latest Doctor, and the creative team.

Cosmos: Possible Worlds (3-4 p.m. EDT, Hammerstein Ballroom)

"Cosmos" returns to Fox in March; watch a sneak peek of the new season here! "Cosmos" has confirmed that creator, director, writer and executive producer Ann Druyan; host Neil deGrasse Tyson; executive producer Jason Clark; and executive producer and director Brannon Braga will all be on the panel. [Biggest Space Movies to Watch in 2018]

Some location notes

New York Comic-Con takes place over multiple locations, so be sure you have a good idea of where you're headed and leave enough time to get into each panel! The Javits Center, the convention's main location, boasts very long lines to get in at the beginning of the day, and individual panels will often have long waits for people who want to be sure to grab a seat. Main Stage panels require con-goers to get in a long line for wristbands ahead of time downstairs in the Queue Hall — ideally, first thing in the morning, as seating can run out — before showing up again before the panel starts. Prioritizing what you most want to see is key when it comes to Main Stage panels. The Hammerstein Ballroom and Madison Square Garden locations are both very large, but fans will often arrive early to get good seats or sit through earlier panels after waiting in line to get in.

More information on all of this can be found on New York Comic-Con's website.

Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.