On the links between Astronomy, Astronomers, and Science Fiction

TL;DR

This paper explores the relationship between astronomy, astronomers, and science fiction, highlighting how sci-fi can be used to engage the public and how astronomers are influenced by sci-fi in their careers.

Contribution

It presents a study on French astronomers' interest in science fiction and discusses the potential of sci-fi to communicate astronomical concepts to the public.

Findings

93% of British astronomers are interested in sci-fi

69% of British astronomers say sci-fi influenced their careers

Study conducted during the 2024 French astronomer meeting

Abstract

Science Fiction is using astronomy to offer to the public blockbusters at the movies (e.g. Interstellar), series or movies in streaming media (Don't Look Up, The Expanse), many books from classic authors (I. Asimov, A.C. Clarke) or more modern ones (K.S. Robinson), comics (the adventures of Valerian and Laureline), or video games (Mass Effect, No Man's sky) that have a very large cumulated audience. Astronomers can use Science Fiction to illustrate physics or astronomical facts. It might be a good way to talk about our work, our methods, by comparing them to examples with which a large audience is familiar. A few examples are provided in this contribution. In a recent study (Stanwey, 2022), it was shown that 93 percent of British professional astronomers have an interest for Science Fiction, and 69 percent consider that Science Fiction influenced their career or life choice. I am presenting a similar study made for French astronomers, performed during and just after the 2024 French astronomer meeting (Journees de la SF2A).