WILSON OBSERVATORY, a lauded universe-searching landmark located high above Pasadena, has encountered acclaimed scientists ...

The starting bid for the Close Encounters of the Third Kind mask is $2,500—you can learn more about the auction and how to bid here. Want more io9 news?

This classic plot hook harkens back to “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “A Trip to the Moon,” and if I had to place a bet, it’s the oldest story mankind’s got.