Many scientists regard science fiction (SF) as unscientific escapism, if not nonsense. SF
enthusiasts, on the other hand, often confuse it with visions of the future. While much SF is
indeed unscientific and not at all visionary, a significant proportion of SF authors have a
scientific or technical background. Is this so because reading SF has sparked many adolescents' fascination with science? Some ideas from SF were indeed realized later or allegedly led to inventions such as the solar sail for space propulsion or the cellular phone. Is there a closer connection between science and SF than is generally considered?
As far as physics is concerned, Prof. Peter Schattschneider shows by means of examples from famous authors and from his recent work that SF texts can be analyzed in a strictly scientific way. Some descriptions are amazingly meticulous, even in mathematical terms, while others are flawed.
Such analysis is thought-provoking and provides surprising insight into physics at various levels from high school to graduates. These examples suggest an answer to the question posed earlier: The common element of the misjudged twins is probably the passion to explore envisioned realities.
Peter Schattschneider is professor emeritus at the Vienna University of Technology. His research focuses on analytical electron microscopy. In parallel to his scientific work, he is author of SF stories and novels. Together with colleagues, he lectured for many years in Paris, Vienna and Beijing on the relationship between science and science fiction.
Recent publication: Peter Schattschneider, Der Traum des Philosophen. Hirnkost Verlag 2024. SF stories (in German).
https://www.tuwien.at/forschung/facilities/ustem/mitarbeiter/schattschneider/physik-der-science-fiction
