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Distributed for Reaktion Books

Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact

With a stellar cast of scientists and science fictionists alike, a vivid exploration of realities behind imaginary planets.
 
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to watch a double sunset on Tatooine, stand among the sand dunes of Arrakis, or gaze at the gas-giant planet Polyphemus from the moon Pandora? In Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact, Keith Cooper explores the fictional planets from films such as Star Wars, Dune, and Avatar, and discusses how realistic they are based on our current scientific understanding and astronomical observations. The real exoplanets astronomers are now discovering are truly stranger than fiction, as the author shows. Featuring insights from over a dozen scientists and award-winning science-fiction authors, including Charlie Jane Anders, Stephen Baxter, and Alastair Reynolds, Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact is perfect for readers of popular science and fans of science fiction.

224 pages | 12 color plates | 5.43 x 8.5 | © 2025

Film Studies

Physical Sciences: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Physics--Popular Books


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Reviews

"Unpacking science fiction alongside real exoplanet discoveries, Cooper’s Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact is a captivating, cutting-edge view of worlds beyond our Solar System that explores the intersection of fiction and fact. An essential read for anyone fascinated by the cosmos."

Sara Seager, professor of planetary science, physics and aeronautical and astronautical engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and author of "The Smallest Lights in the Universe"

Table of Contents

1 Strange, New Worlds
2 Home Away From Home
3 Lands of Sand
4 Ocean Worlds
5 Worlds of Always Winter
6 The Worlds of Always-Day and Always-Night
7 Lands of the Rising Suns
8 Exomoons
9 Weird Worlds
10 Ecumenopolises
Epilogue

Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index

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