Last week, Nichelle Nichols died. Her son announced her passing in a lovely tribute to both her career and the recent discoveries made by the JWST.

Nichelle was an inspiration to so many people through the years. I remember the first time I saw Star Trek and saw her as an officer of a starship, I was amazed. Here was a woman onboard a ship in a position of importance. The fact that she was black was wonderful, but she was a woman, in a position of power. THAT was amazing to pre-teen me.

I can honestly say that Star Trek put me where I am today as a science writer, as a scientist in my past career, and as a skywatcher. Nichelle Nichols was part of that. The first time I ever met her (at a Con), I thanked her profusely for her work. It was like meeting a queen. She was gracious and funny and insightful. Over the years, I met her a few more times and remained in awe of her. I’ll miss her smiling face and gracious attitude toward all of us.

So, her passing marks the end of an era, but not the end of her lasting influence on people. I can only say, as so many others have done in the past week, “Thank you, Ms. Nichols. And, hailing frequencies closed.”