You probably know by now that the planet Mars is making its closest approach to Earth in almost 60,000 years. Coinciding with this occasion is the birthday of the science fiction author most commonly associated with Mars, Ray Bradbury, author of "The Martian Chronicles" and other great works in the genre.

The Planetary Society, a space activism group based in Pasadena, California, is celebrating both events, and several prominent names from the Star Trek universe are participating. The organization is gathering birthday greetings from well-wishers around the world for a giant birthday card to be presented to Bradbury on his 83rd birthday on August 22. So far, Robert Picardo ("The Doctor"), Tim Russ ("Tuvok"), Michael Okuda (scenic art supervisor/technical consultant), Denise Okuda (video supervisor), and the son of Gene Roddenberry have added their names to the growing tribute.

"Congratulations to a man whose imagination brought us closer to Mars long before the solar system followed suit," writes Picardo, who serves on the Advisory Council of the Planetary Society.

Says Russ, "I have always been a fan of science fiction, and Ray Bradbury has always been one of my favorite writers in that genre. He has a unique way of weaving prose and poetry throughout his work. I particularly enjoyed the Martian Chronicles, as well as many of his short stories."

"You showed us that Mars is not only a place for science, but a place of wonder and of dreams that will call to our hearts, even after we Earthlings become the Martians. Happy Birthday, Ray!" express Michael and Denise Okuda in their salute.

Adds Eugene W. ("Rod") Roddenberry, "Thank you for your dedication in bringing the ethereality of human potential into the grasp of humankind. The reach of your imagination has inspired our growth. I continue to look forward."

Other luminaries who have contributed to the birthday card include astronaut Buzz Aldrin, filmmaker James Cameron, actor Charlton Heston and director Peter Hyams.

All others who wish to add their own well-wishes to the tribute are invited to do so. Visit this page at Planetary.org to find out more about the Bradbury celebration. The deadline for submitting a greeting is Wednesday, August 20. The Society's website also has information about how to observe Mars, which reaches its closest opposition in the early morning of August 27.

In related news, the Planetary Society will hold a special benefit stage performance next month that will be directed by Picardo, and will star John Rhys-Davies. In Star Trek: Voyager, Rhys-Davies played Leonardo da Vinci, but in this reading he'll be another Renaissance man: Galileo. Titled "An Evening with Galileo and His Daughter," the performance will take place one time only on Monday, September 22, 7:30, at the historic Pasadena Playhouse.

The reading will be a tribute to the Galileo spacecraft mission, which will end its 14-year mission on September 21 by plunging into Jupiter on a targeted trajectory of self-destruction.

The play, adapted from Dava Sobel's book "Galileo's Daughter," is based on letters written to Galileo by his daughter, Suor Maria Celeste, a cloistered nun since the age of 13, and revolves around the astronomer's scientific discoveries and subsequent battle with the Inquisition. Linda Purl, stage and television actress, will portray the daughter.

Tickets to the fund-raiser are $60 and $75. A reception with the cast afterwards will be additional. For information and reservations, contact Barbara Rayworth at (626) 793-5100 or Barbara.rayworth@planetary.org.