Tag: space

What is Sci-Fi?

What is science fiction? There are many different books, films, games and other media that can fall into the genre of sci-fi. There are many different definitions, many different sub-genres, and many different elements that can make something “sci-fi.” It wouldn’t be possible to come up with one definition that all Science Fiction writers and creators would agree upon. Having said that, we can examine some common themes and elements.

Science Fiction is a genre which can fit under the umbrella of Speculative Fiction, alongside, and often overlapping with, Fantasy and Horror. Science Fiction tends to be futuristic, imagining advances in technology and scientific achievement beyond our current levels. Robots, cyborgs and technologically modified humans are common in SF. Sci-fi often includes elements such as space travel, aliens, life on other planets or in other galaxies. However, sci-fi can also stay here on earth, exploring such things as utopia, dystopia, alternative histories, and post-apocalyptic scenarios. There can be an emphasis on science, with stories set in very realistic situations based on real scientific research, but can also extend into levels of conjecture that may try to extrapolate or predict where we are headed with science. In fact, SF can stray from hard science, abandoning realism altogether as it explores the paranormal and the fantastic.

NASA UFO Task Force: Watch LIVE

source: Smithsonian

NASA presents a live discussion of the Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Task Force, at 7:30 PDT, on NASA TV. UAPs, are also known in popular culture as UFOs.

Watch it here: NASA TV

Information on this NASA initiative:

Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena

UAP Independent Study

UAP Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more:

NASA.gov

Space.com

Smithsonian Magazine

BBC

Scientific American

CBC

Boston University

Sputnik and the Space Race

On this day in 1957, the USSR launched Sputnik,  first artificial earth satellite. In the context of the Cold War, this event was shocking to many who had assumed that the U.S. and other western nations were clearly advanced in terms of science and technology.  Many consider that the success of Sputnik triggered the “Space Race” of the 1950’s and 1960’s, eventually leading to the Moon Landing of 1969.

Find out more in these and other fascinating  books that look at the Space Race and space exploration.