Perceptions of SETI in Science Fiction
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Perceptions of SETI in Science Fiction
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 cRunchy  Send message Joined: 3 Apr 99 Posts: 3555 Credit: 1,920,030 RAC: 3 
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This week I saw 3 different Sci-Fi TV series in which SETI was mentioned. (Stargate, Masters of Sci-Fi and X-Files.) The impression given is of SETI being an institution shrouded in scientific mystery or something attached to the (US) government or something attached to the military. Of course these are only fiction but they do add to the general understanding of what SETI is. One thing I have never seen is anything to do with the 'crunching' aspect of SETI and it's world wide use of shared computing in everyday homes. I can't remember the last time I saw someone in some sci-fi drama point to their PC and say that they were crunching for SETI. Maybe it would make for poor drama! Can anyone think of a movie or TV show where SETI is mentioned? (Do you remember the context?) Is sci-fi misrepresenting SETI? ID: 668645 ·  |
Helsionium  Send message Joined: 24 Dec 06 Posts: 156 Credit: 86,214,817 RAC: 43 
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In the movie "Contact", SETI is represented in a fairly accurate way - after all, the novel was written by Carl Sagan. There are some flaws in the movie, but after all, it's FICTION. It doesn't have to be entirely accurate. Also, I don't know any more accurate representation of SETI in any other movie or series...  
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Es99  Send message Joined: 23 Aug 05 Posts: 10874 Credit: 350,402 RAC: 0 
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There isn't just one SETI..seti@home is different to the seti usually depicted in the movies. The actual Seti Institutehas a page on it's website about Hollywood's view of seti. Reality Internet Personality ID: 668660 · |
Scary Capitalist  Send message Joined: 21 May 01 Posts: 7404 Credit: 97,085 RAC: 0 
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Some months ago someone posted about SETI@home screensaver being shown in a made for TV sci fi movie. I forget the name of the movie but the gist of the event was that some scientist was 'analyzing' a live alien transmission or something like that in real time. The seti screensaver was on his desk top and he was 'doing his science stuff'. :-P Someone will probably recall the details. I think somebody even got a still photo of it and I suggested zooming in on the screen to catch the user name. Crunchy, in the myths and legends thread the radio show we often discuss in there occasionally mentions SETI@home and other SETI projects. Seth Shostak is a frequent guest on air. I've noticed that the number of new users at setiathome seems to spike the day after a show of that nature is aired. Founder of BOINC team Objectivists. Oh the humanity! Rational people crunching data! I did NOT authorize this belly writing! 
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Dr. C.E.T.I.  Send message Joined: 29 Feb 00 Posts: 16019 Credit: 794,685 RAC: 0
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There isn't just one SETI..seti@home is different to the seti usually depicted in the movies. > very good Esme' ;) > Quote: from the SETI Institute: [b]" . . . there's no doubt that "Contact" is indescribably more accurate in its depiction of SETI than any Hollywood film in history! Copyright © 2007 SETI Institute  BOINC Wiki . . .Science Status Page . . . ID: 668765 · |
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