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 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.

19 pages, 1 table, 2 figures

References in corpus (4)

• The Bayesian Structural EM Algorithm
• How to Characterize Habitable Worlds and Signs of Life
• Science Fiction Media Representations of Exoplanets: Portrayals of Changing Astronomical Discoveries
• Evidencing the interaction between science fiction enthusiasm and career aspirations in the UK astronomy community

Cited by in corpus (1)

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