Science Fiction Media Representations of Exoplanets...

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the representations of exoplanets in science fiction media and how these portrayals reflect changing astronomical discoveries. It examines the relationship between science fiction and scientific findings in the context of exoplanet science, exploring the implications for science communication.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a study analyzing science fiction exoplanets, suggesting that portrayals of exoplanets in media are influenced by real scientific discoveries, particularly indicating that exoplanets designed after actual discoveries tend to be less Earth-like.
  • Another participant questions the sufficiency of previous portrayals, referencing the "jungles of Venus" and implying a critique of earlier science fiction representations.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the reference to "jungles of Venus," indicating a lack of familiarity with certain classic science fiction works.
  • Another participant notes that Venus has been depicted as a jungle or swampland in numerous classic works prior to the Mariner missions, suggesting a historical context for these portrayals.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange about whether certain literary references, like Coleridge, fit within the science fiction genre, with a nod to Douglas Adams as a potential inclusion.
  • Links to Wikipedia articles about Venus in fiction are shared, providing additional context for the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion includes multiple competing views regarding the adequacy of past science fiction representations of Venus and the implications of these portrayals for understanding exoplanets. There is no clear consensus on the effectiveness of science fiction as a medium for science communication.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific literary works and historical portrayals without fully resolving the implications of these references on the understanding of exoplanets. The discussion also highlights varying levels of familiarity with classic science fiction among participants.

sbrothy
Gold Member
Messages
1,427
Reaction score
1,289
Stumbled over this one. Thought it might be pertinent.

Science Fiction Media Representations of Exoplanets: Portrayals of Changing Astronomical Discoveries.

"Interest in science fiction's (SF's) potential science communication use is hindered by concerns about SF misrepresenting science. This study addresses these concerns by asking how SF media reflects scientific findings in exoplanet science. A database of SF exoplanets was analysed using a Bayesian network to find interconnected interactions between planetary characterisation features and literary data. Results reveal SF exoplanets designed after the discovery of real exoplanets are less Earth-like, providing statistical evidence that SF incorporates rapidly-evolving science. Understanding SF's portrayal of science is crucial for its potential use in science communication."
 
Physics news on Phys.org
sbrothy said:
providing statistical evidence that SF incorporates rapidly-evolving science.
The end of the "jungles of Venus" wasn't enough?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
The end of the "jungles of Venus" wasn't enough?
I’m ashamed to admit this reference went over my head. Is there a classic I missed out on?
 
A zillion classics. Venus was regularly portrayed as jungle or swampland pre-Mariner.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
A zillion classics. Venus was regularly portrayed as jungle or swampland pre-Mariner.
Ah, Coleridge? That isn’t scifi unless you’re counting Douglas Adams is it? :)
 

Similar threads

Graduate New hab-zone planet HD40307g distance 42 ly, estim 7 earthmass
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K