If you have been thoroughly following about the existence of extraterrestrial life or the aliens then you would know about the Alien franchise, the science-fiction horror films which focused on human battles with extraterrestrial species- xenomorph. This series was produced by 20th Century Fox and it started in the 1979 feature film Alien, which saw several sequels to it years later. April 26, is celebrated as the National Alien Day, honouring the very franchise. The day is selected in reference to the moon on which the first film was set- 4/26, LV-426.

The classic of these films were so popular that the fandom day is celebrated and a variety of multimedia is also launched to promote the same. There could be special releases of books, comics, games or collectables or organising trivia and quiz competitions around the Alien films.

The Alien series gave us a fictional yet believable character of Xenomorph. Lets us understand in detail about this species of extraterrestrials.

What is a xenomorph?

Xenomorph XX121 or just the Xenomorph is the main antagonist in the epic series of Alien films. It is a fictional extraterrestrial species. The word breaks in Greek 'Xeno' which means 'strange' and 'morph' which means 'shape.' It was one of the deadliest of all the alien species.

What do xenomorphs eat?

There is a lot of discussion about what exactly do these xenomorph creatures eat but there is no concrete answer. Although the series do show them feasting on their victims. But there is an assumption that xenomorphs eat their former hosts. The Alien 3 shows one eating a corpse but there has been no clear indication of what exactly the xenomorphs eat.

How do xenomorphs see?

Xenomorphs possess no visible eyes. They were designed so that the creatures would appear frightening if one did not realise they were looking at them. In the Alien vs. Predator series, implies that the Xenomorph sees using its attack tongue.

In Alien, a fish-eye lens like a peephole depicted the Xenomorph's sight. But whether it is actual sight or a filmed representation of the creatures' sensory perception is unknown. In the 2010 Alien vs. Predator game, it is mentioned on one of the Marine audio tapes that Xenomorphs have vision. There is a possibility that the creatures use echolocation to see its environment, much like bats.  Xenomorphs may be able to detect their 'prey' through electro-reception.

Who created the xenomorph?

There have been different theories about the creation of the xenomorphs. Weyland-Yutani's original synthetic cyborg David in Prometheus was the chief designer of the first Xenomorph egg and therefore the creator of the species. He created some experiments with the aliens after landing on the planet. He creates breeding of the most dangerous, lethal creature possible- the xenomorphs.

How to kill a xenomorph?

Xenomorphs are shown to be both invulnerable and vulnerable to small firearms, ranging from 9mm to 5.56mm. But high-calibre firearms, with the explosive rounds of a M41A Pulse Rifle may cause these creatures to detonate. High-energy beam weapons are the best way to kill the Xenomorphs. Pulse rifles can be used to repel large hordes of them.

On National Alien day 2018,  a video game called Alien: Offworld Colony Simulator is launched to mark the Alien day celebrations. There is an audio drama adaptation called the Alien: Sea of Sorrows, starring John Chancer, Stockard Channing, Walles Hamonde and Laurel Lefkow. The Dark Horse Comics released the first issue of new series Aliens: Dust to Dust.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 26, 2018 05:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).