Top Ten Most Realistic Planets in Science Fiction

Meredith Woerner — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:55:00 PDT

One of the worst examples of unrealistic science in movies is the overly simple alien planet. Oftentimes, our heroes will visit the desert planet, or the Irish planet. But the best extraterrestrial worlds in science fiction are the ones with variety and a realistic ecosystem. They have cities as well as countryside, and a range of environments. Here's our guide to the most realistic — and interesting — planets in science fiction.

Miranda

Mongo

Vulcan

Meredith Woerner — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:42:58 PDT

Of all the planets in this survey, Camazotz is the most similar to Earth. It even has Earth trees, like maples, pines and birches. But it's also the least varied — but only because the disembodied brain called IT has enforced super-conformity, in A Wrinkle In Time. Which could have its good points: just put the mind on pause and let IT do the thinking for you. Plus, and this is by far the best part of this planet, they don't let children outside. Sold.

io9: camaztoz

Top Ten Most Realistic Planets in Science Fiction

Camazotz