Mars Science Fiction

Science Fiction is a broad genre of fiction that often involves speculation based on current trends in science or technology. It can be termed speculative fiction that encompasses creative works or works of fantasy that include imaginative elements not found in current reality. Today's library shelves often are labeled "science fiction/fantasy" because they include both types of stories. Science fiction differs from fantasy in that the elements are largely possible within scientifically established or scientifically postulated laws of nature. Science fantasy is largely based on writing entertainingly and rationally about alternate possibilities in settings that are contrary to known reality. [Ref: Goodreads]. One should note that the works of Edward R. Burroughs - The john Carter on Mars Series - would properly be termed fantasy today, but early in the 20th century when they were written, some scientist believed there was evidence for water-containing canals on Mars, so then one might have categorized the John Carter series as science fiction and not fantasy.

Common to both types of fiction is a story that deals with the reaction of people to changes in science and technology. [Ref: Asimov]. Both types of fiction have been written using Mars as background. If one wishes to contemplate what the future of humans on Mars will be, the Mars Science Fiction works listed in the table may provide much food for thought.