1. Sound in Space
* Mistake: Sound travels through vibrations in a medium, like air or water. Outer space is a vacuum, meaning there's no medium for sound to travel through.
* Example: Spaceships exploding with a loud "BOOM" in the vacuum of space, or characters talking to each other outside of their spacesuits.
* Why it's done: It adds to the drama and excitement. Silence in space would be very unsettling.
2. The "Force" of Gravity
* Mistake: Often, movies depict gravity acting inconsistently in space. Gravity is a force that acts between objects with mass. In space, the only significant source of gravity is the nearest large object, usually a planet or star.
* Example: Characters floating around inside a spaceship when it should be under the influence of the planet's gravity, or a spaceship suddenly flipping over in space with no apparent cause.
* Why it's done: Sometimes it's for dramatic effect (like the ship flipping to show the danger), or for convenience (allowing characters to walk around like they're on Earth).
Bonus:
* Light Speed Travel: While it's a popular trope, it's extremely unlikely we'll ever be able to travel at the speed of light. Relativity tells us that as we approach the speed of light, our mass increases infinitely, requiring an infinite amount of energy to accelerate.
Remember, science fiction movies are meant to entertain, not be scientifically accurate. However, being aware of these common mistakes can make you a more critical and engaged viewer!