Westerns with a Cosmic Twist: A Stellar Collection

Description: While not directly about astronomy, this film features a cowboy expedition into a hidden valley where they encounter prehistoric creatures, including a dinosaur, which could be seen as a metaphor for exploring unknown cosmic territories.

Fact: The film uses stop-motion animation by Ray Harryhausen, famous for his work on films like "Jason and the Argonauts."

Description: Although not explicitly about astronomy, this sci-fi western involves a futuristic theme park where guests can live out their wild west fantasies, which goes awry when the robots malfunction, exploring themes of technology and control akin to cosmic exploration.

Fact: Michael Crichton wrote and directed this film, which later inspired the HBO series of the same name.

Description: While not a traditional western, this film features an alien (David Bowie) who comes to Earth, blending sci-fi with a western-like journey through human society, exploring themes of isolation and discovery.

Fact: This was David Bowie's first starring role in a film, and it's often cited as one of his best performances.

Description: Set on a mining colony in space, this film has a western feel with its lone lawman theme, as Sean Connery's character fights against corruption and drug-induced violence, mirroring the isolation and lawlessness of the old west.

Fact: The film was originally titled "Io," after the moon of Jupiter where it's set.

Description: While not directly about astronomy, this film's plot about a group of outlaws on a quest for gold can be metaphorically linked to the pursuit of celestial treasures, embodying the spirit of exploration.

Fact: The film stars Mickey Rourke and Dermot Mulroney, and was shot in the rugged landscapes of Utah, adding to its authentic western feel.

Description: This steampunk western features secret agents in the old west using advanced technology, which can be seen as a precursor to space-age gadgets, making it a quirky addition to our list.

Fact: The film was based on the 1960s television series of the same name, which itself was quite ahead of its time in blending genres.

Description: Set in a future where humanity has colonized space, this film follows a crew of space cowboys on a quest for freedom, echoing the themes of frontier justice and exploration found in classic westerns.

Fact: "Serenity" is a continuation of the short-lived TV series "Firefly," created by Joss Whedon.

Description: This film takes the classic western setting and injects it with an alien invasion, making it a perfect fit for our theme. Cowboys and Native Americans must unite to fight extraterrestrial foes, blending the old west with sci-fi elements.

Fact: The film was based on a graphic novel by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg. It was also one of the last films to feature Harrison Ford in a major role before his semi-retirement.

Description: This film tells the story of a modern-day cowboy who builds a rocket in his barn, embodying the spirit of the American frontier in his quest to reach the stars, making it a unique blend of western and space exploration themes.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of a man named Robert Goddard, known as the father of modern rocketry.

Description: This made-for-TV movie features a small western town under siege by alien invaders, combining the western genre with extraterrestrial threats, making it a direct fit for our theme.

Fact: The film was part of the "Maneater Series" on the Syfy channel, known for its mix of genres.