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They’ve made it so.
A total of 934 fans gathered at London’s Science Museum on Star Trek Day to mark the seminal show’s 60th anniversary. They were there not only to celebrate the anniversary but to attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous Vulcan salute.
For the heathens amongst you, the Vulcan salute is the gesture made famous by Leonard Nimoy’s character Spock. It involves raising your hand, palm forward, with the middle and ring fingers parted, forming a “V” shape. It first appeared in the 1967 episode of the TV series titled “Amok Time” and is usually accompanied by the phrase “Live long and prosper”.
Those taking part on Tuesday were required to maintain the iconic hand gesture for one minute to successfully secure the title.
Guinness World Records adjudicator Paulina Sapinska has verified the attempt and handed the official certificate to the Science Museum’s commercial operations director Ben Lheureux.
Science Museum head of collections and principal curator Dr Glyn Morgan said they had been “really excited at the idea of breaking a world record”.
“It’s the 60th anniversary of Star Trek and we wanted something people would really remember and would really mark this event as something special – and what’s more special than breaking a world record?” he said.
Also participating was actor Martin Quinn, who plays chief engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. He said: “I’m going to hang my Guinness World Record certificate in my brother’s room to really rub it in.”
Morgan previously said about this year’s 60th anniversary celebrations: “After a popular Star Trek Lates earlier this year, we’re delighted to invite fans back for another evening exploring the ideas, imagination and real-world science behind the franchise, and a final opportunity to experience the Star Trek Warp Trail.”
The free Star Trek Warp Trail includes props and uniforms from the shows and films, and explores the lasting connection between the franchise’s visionary storytelling and real-world scientific innovation.
The popular exhibit closes on Sunday 13 September.