May the fourth be with you

As all the coolest people in the world are perfectly aware of (read: Star Wars geeks) – today is Star Wars Day, when we celebrate the long-running franchise that continues to inspire generations to look up at the stars and dream of saving galaxies from the Dark Side while flying an awesome spaceship or wielding a lightsaber (or both). In honour of Star Wars Day 2017, here are a few of the things you need to know about the latest installment in the movie series, and some more on the wider universe of sci-fi geekdom in general.

5 things we (mostly) know from The Last Jedi trailer

Expect new back stories. We know for sure now that Rey is not Luke Skywalker's daughter, so fans have revelations regarding her mysterious past to look back on. Supreme Leader Snoke is also a completely new character with a new story to explore.Captain Phasma will be back. A lot of us loved the first ever appearance of Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie in The Force Awakens as the first ever female baddie in the franchise. Many of us were also disappointed with the brief glimpse that ended with a rather over-the-top comic disposal down the rubbish chute, but fans will be happy to know that wasn't the last of her.Leia will take the lead. Carrie Fisher's final appearance will most definitely be an important one, with rumours of a Snoke Leia showdown that will lead to some interesting revelations not just about the latest film, but the whole Star Wars saga – a fitting tribute to one of the main actors who was with the franchise from day one, and sadly passed away last year.Kylo Ren ditches the mask. Does this have anything to do with the battered remains from Grandfather Vader's mask that Kylo has kept so carefully? Will this be the beginning of Ben Solo's return from the dark side to the light?Meet Rose. A brand new character played by Kelly Marie Tran, Rose is a maintenance worker in the Resistance – an ordinary everyday citizen of the galaxy who gets pulled into an adventure and probably saves the day. What's not to like about that?

If you like Star Wars....

Must-watches for sci-fi nerdsDoctor Who. A British cult classic about a Time Lord who travels through space and time in a blue police box, Doctor Who can seem a bit dated at first. But whether for the rollicking adventures, the characters you can't help falling in love with or just the wistful hope in humanity that lies at the heart of this show, every sci-fi geek must watch Doctor Who at least once.Westworld. Based on Michael Crichton's original story, the new remake of Westworld has taken sci-fi to a whole new level. You will lie awake at night questioning what it is to be a human being and represent humanity.Stranger Things. You've probably already heard about this 80s inspired retro-vibe show with the adorable children and amazing music, but if you haven't seen it then you must.Firefly. Created by Joss Whedon way before he became the face of Marvel, this space western set in a new star system has all the elements needed to create a sci-fi classic.Battlestar Galactica. Whether its political drama, greater philosophical questions or just plain old sci-fi drama, this show will have you hooked whether you're a sci-fi nerd or not.