How realistic should space travel be depicted in fiction?

In fiction, travel time can be very different from real life. Sometimes it's skipped over completely. For example, in a story about a hero going on a quest, they might just suddenly be at their destination without much talk about the journey. This is to keep the story moving quickly.

It's a mix. Fiction can blend elements of reality with imagination. It might use real-world settings or emotions but introduce fantastical elements. So, it doesn't have to be strictly realistic to be engaging.

Well, slow speed in space sci - fi can be presented by the relative motion of objects. A ship might seem to crawl across the vastness of space compared to the huge distances between stars and galaxies. It can also be related to the propulsion systems available. If the technology is limited, the ship will be slow. This can lead to plotlines where characters have to make difficult decisions, such as whether to continue on a slow journey or risk trying untested faster - than - light technologies.

Science fiction often depicts space colony types based on their location and purpose. Colonies on gas giants' moons might be shown as research outposts for studying the unique environments. Planetary colonies could be designed according to the planet's characteristics. For example, a colony on a desert planet might have advanced water - recycling systems. And colonies in deep space could be shown as isolated and mysterious, with their own strange cultures.

Fiction often portrays time travel with different rules. Some stories have a single - timeline concept where any changes in the past directly affect the present and future. Others have parallel timelines, so changing the past creates a new, separate timeline. An example of the latter is in many episodes of 'Doctor Who', where the Doctor's actions in the past can create new, alternate universes.

It's unlikely. A mango-shaped space seems highly imaginative and not based in reality.

In science fiction, the different types of space stations are depicted in various ways. The large, government - run stations might be shown as highly organized, with strict hierarchies and regulations. They could be massive structures with numerous modules for different functions. On the other hand, the privately - owned stations could be more entrepreneurial in appearance, with a focus on making money through tourism or resource extraction. And the stations in post - apocalyptic science fiction might be in a state of disrepair, with survivors trying to make the best of what's left.

They are often depicted as highly skilled and fearless. They carry specialized equipment for handling explosives, like advanced detonators and blast - resistant gear.

They are sometimes shown as part of a uniform in science fiction. The miniskirts might be paired with high - tech boots and a form - fitting top, creating a look that is both professional for a space - related job and also sexy at the same time. They can be a key part of the visual design to distinguish a particular group or species in the fictional universe.

Space monsters are often depicted as large, grotesque creatures. Tentacles are shown as powerful and flexible appendages. For example, in the classic 'Alien' series, the Xenomorph has a second mouth on a tentacle - like structure that it uses to attack. This gives the impression of a hidden and deadly weapon. They are also sometimes shown as a means of locomotion, like how an octopus uses its tentacles to move around, but on a much larger and more menacing scale in space monster depictions.