Science fiction media representations of exoplanets : portrayals of changing astronomical discoveries
Abstract
Interest in science fiction’s (SF’s) potential science communication use is hindered by concerns about SF misrepresenting science. This study addresses this by asking how SF media reflects scientific findings in exoplanet science. A database of SF exoplanets is 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.
Citation
Puranen , E , Finer , E , Helling , C & Smith , V A 2024 , ' Science fiction media representations of exoplanets : portrayals of changing astronomical discoveries ' , Journal of Science Communication , vol. 23 , no. 1 , A04 . https://doi.org/10.22323/2.23010204
Publication
Journal of Science Communication
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
1824-2049Type
Journal article
Description
Funding: EJP acknowledges support from a St Leonards’ World-Leading Doctoral Scholarship.Collections
URL
https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Bayesian_network_analysis_sheds_light_on_sci_fi_and_real_world_exoplanet_representation_999.htmlhttps://phys.org/news/2024-03-tatooine-reality-exoplanet-science-fiction.html
https://bnnbreaking.com/world/austria/from-lava-worlds-to-diamond-rains-how-exoplanet-discoveries-reshape-science-fiction
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036369
https://fiorreports.com/science-fiction-learns-from-science-about-exoplanets/
https://fiorreports.com/the-science-fiction-journey-from-tatooine-to-reality/
https://www.space.com/science-fiction-exoplanets-reflect-real-discoveries
https://www.labroots.com/trending/space/26780/exoplanets-sci-fi-bridging-gap-imagination-reality-2
https://www.universetoday.com/166009/science-fiction-is-learning-about-exoplanets-from-science/
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