Exoplanets in science fiction

Abstract

Science fiction (SF) is a genre influenced by science which, in turn, influences science. Astronomers discovered the first exoplanets (planets outside our solar system) in the 1990s, but exoplanets featured in SF long before then. I aim to answer the research questions: what is the relationship between exoplanet science and science fiction worldbuilding? Can SF be used for science education? This thesis employs an interdisciplinary mix of quantitative and qualitative methodologies to study the relationship between science and SF with a focus on the portrayal of exoplanets. First, I compile a database of 212 SF exoplanets and use Bayesian network analysis to find how various characteristics of these fictional exoplanets influence each other. Results indicate fictional exoplanets created after the discovery of real exoplanets are less Earth-like, evidencing that SF changes in response to scientific discoveries of inhospitable exoplanets. Second, I collect and analyse questionnaire data from participants in my project to create short SF stories in teams of one scientist and one writer. Results show scientific concerns were incorporated into the story creation decision-making process, and suggest an inspirational role for SF towards its readership’s interest in science. Third, I interview exoplanet scientists about the relevance of the N=1 Problem, the fact that we know of only one planet with life, on their work. Analysis of interview results shows a diversity of methods to manage the N=1 Problem in exoplanet science research, as well as a trend within this set of participants of N=1 being not formally taught but rather discussed in less formal academic settings. Through the use of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, I provide statistical evidence that SF incorporates rapidly-evolving exoplanet science discoveries into its storytelling. I identify a role for SF in science education of introducing concepts and inspiring general audiences to pursue further study of science.