Science fiction media representations of exoplanets: portrayals of changing astronomical discoveries
        
        
            by
            
                
                
                Emma Johanna Puranen, 
            
                
                
                Emily Finer, 
            
                
                
                Christiane Helling
            
                
                
                    
                        and
                    
                
                V. Anne Smith
            
        
        
            
                
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.
            
        
        
        
            
                
                Volume 23 • Issue 01 • 2024