Google Pays Tribute To Douglas Adams On What Would Have Been His 61st Birthday

If you're a fan of science fiction and comedy, chances are you've got a copy of "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy" lying around somewhere. 

Fans of Douglas Adam's hilarious, thought-provoking and ridiculously fun five-book "trilogy" are sure to be delighted by today's Google Doodle, which honors Mr. Adams on what would have been his 61st birthday.

Just go to www.google.com and you can interact with the Guide aboard the legendary Heart of Gold spacecraft! Be sure to play around and click the Guide multiple times in order to view all the fun Easter eggs.

"The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy" began as a BBC radio broadcast in 1978 before being adapted into a novel, television series, multiple computer games and a 2005 feature film. The story follows Englishman Arthur Dent's adventures in space following the destruction of Earth. His alien friend, Ford Prefect, introduces him to "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy" - an electronic book that provides copious amounts of sometimes reliable information on how to survive in the absurd, hilarious and oftentimes tragic galaxy Arthur suddenly finds himself (quite reluctantly) exploring. Its cover is embossed with the reassuring words, "Don't Panic!".

Douglas Adams, who wrote for radio, television and film, passed away on May 11, 2001 at the age of 49 after suffering a heart attack. He left behind a novel that continues to make old fans and new readers laugh hysterically and think deeply.

A movie version hit the big screen in 2005, although it never quite captured the magic of the original films.