Sci-Fi and Bringing Back the Mammoth with Neil deGrasse Tyson

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson talks about Sci-Fi movies and books that accurately depict science and why some Sci-Fi stories seem less plausible.

By Monica Cull
May 16, 2023 2:00 PM
Sci-Fi astronaut on a spaceship with extraterrestrial monsters
(Credit:Kitreel/Shutterstock)

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For some of us, science fiction books and movies were the first ways we experienced anything science related. They've also inspired many modern inventions, from helicopters to the World Wide Web.  

As part of an ongoing series, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson tours various cities and gives a lecture called "An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies, the Sequel" about the science behind science fiction movies.

While these stories inspire scientists and modern inventions, many focus more on the "fiction" part of science. Here's what Tyson has to say about differentiating between fact and fiction.

Sci-Fi Stories That Got it Right

Rome, Italy - April 05, 2021, 2001: A Space Odyssey, 1968 film produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick, co-written with Arthur C. Clarke who produced the story. (Credit: Shutterstock/Stefano Chiacchiarini '74)
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