Cosmic Stories Blog
This blog exists to explore conceptions and representations of science or science communication through the medium of fiction. A new blog entry is posted every two weeks. For updates follow me on , , or on Facebook at .
Doctor Who's Robot
Looking at a case study of representation of 1970s science from Doctor Who.
Think Tanks and Scientific Hothouses
Looking at intense research institutions in science and science fiction.
The Spies Who Loved Science
Why was science such a prominent theme in 1960s espionage dramas, and what does its representation tell us?
Habitable Exomoons
Looking at the life on Moons orbiting other stars in Science and SF.
Overpopulation
Looking at why narratives of overpopulation became so common and then so rare in science and SF.
Living Ships
Looking at sentient, living starships in science fiction.
Judgement Day
Looking at science fiction in which humanity finds itself on trial.
The Fiery Phantom
Looking at the planet that never was - the intra-mercurial planet Vulcan - in science and SF.
The Deadliest Gas
Oxygen is an essential for life... or is it? Maybe it's the deadliest gas.
One Step Out of Time
Why is science fiction in which people are displaced a fraction in time so popular?
Lunar Observatories
The science and science fiction of observatories on the Moon.
One Decanted Every Minute
Taking a look at the long history of reproductive technologies in science and science fiction.
Language and Linguistics
Exploring the impact of the science of linguistics on science fiction.
Protection or Prison?
Are personal shields just science fiction?
Scarlet Skies
Looking at the prospects for life around red dwarfs, and how these have been imagined in SF.
Museum Pieces
Considering the role of museums and their interaction with both science and SF.
Better Together
Exploring symbiosis in science and science fiction.
The Noble Science
Exploring representations of academic physicists in science and science fiction.
Expecting Someone Different
Looking at the confusion between science fiction and fact as explored by actor/role confusion in the genre.
Technical Support
Looking at the roles of technicians in science and science fiction.
Ultimate Identity Theft
Exploring challenges to individuality and identity in science fiction
A Journey Too Far
Looking at overambitious transport networks in science fiction.
Standing Proud
Looking at representations of those with small stature in science fiction.
The Power of the Sun
The varied history of solar power in science fiction.
This blog exists to explore conceptions and representations of science or science communication through the medium of fiction. This includes, but is not limited to, science fiction in literature, film and television, as well as other adventure fiction and their various paratexts. I decided to create this space as a forum in which to present my own views and activities in this area, which are - inevitably - presented from the point of view of an active research astrophysicist, rather than a literary theorist or specialist in communications or media. Nonetheless, I choose to make these thoughts public in case they provide entertainment or interest to others, and in the hope of stimulating conversations in the interface between the realities of our Universe and the ways in which we choose to represent and explore it in fiction. A new blog entry is posted every two weeks. For updates follow me on social media (where I will usually be found as "tiylaya"), or on Facebook at .
Comments are very welcome, including those disagreeing with my views or conclusions, but should be phrased respectfully and will be moderated before posting.
The views and ideas expressed in this blog are my own and do not in any way represent the views of the 天美传媒.