Google's Doodle today is about Star Trek.
Star Trek hit our screens 46 years ago - with Captain Kirk boldly going where no man had gone before in the first episode of the original series.

The enduring favourite, which inspired yet another blockbuster film in 2009, with a sequel due out next year, was first shown on US network NBC on 8 September 1966.

The anniversary has been marked with a Google doodle. Mr Spock's distinctive ears decorate a blue G, Uhura is the red O, Kirk the yellow O, medical officer Dr McCoy is the second G, Sulu the L and Chekov the E.

The original series ran from 1966 to 1969 starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, George Takei, Deforest Kelley, Nichelle Nicholls and James Doohan.

It was followed by an animated series in the 1970s and Captain Jean-Luc Picard's Next Generation from 1987 to 1994. Three more series, Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise, followed.

Created by Gene Roddenberry, it continues to have a devoted fan following.

Roddenberry died from a blood clot on October 24 1991 at the age of 70.

To commemorate the 21st anniversary of his death, a fine art series has been created by official Star Trek artists that work on the famous TV shows and films.