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Hobbits, Hogwarts, and the Heavens: The use of fantasy literature and film in astronomy outreach and education

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2011

Kristine Larsen
Kristine Larsen*
Affiliation:
Physics and Earth Sciences, Central Connecticut State University, 506 Copernicus Hall, 1615 Stanley St., New Britain, CT 06050, USA email: [email protected]
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Abstract

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Due in part to recent (and ongoing) film adaptations, the fantasy series of C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter), Philip Pullman (His Dark Materials), and J.R.R. Tolkien (The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings) are being introduced to a new audience. Many astronomers and astronomy educators are unaware of the wide variety of astronomical references contained in each series, and the myriad possible uses of these works in astronomy education and outreach. This paper highlights activities which educators, planetariums, and science centers have already developed to utilise these works in their education and outreach programs.

Keywords

Science fiction and fantasypopular cultureliteraturefilm
Type
Contributed Papers
Information
Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union , Volume 5 , Symposium S260: The Role of Astronomy in Society and Culture , January 2009 , pp. 306 - 310
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2011

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