Alien first-contact stories are a classic of science fiction, and they’re all the more fascinating because they can feel like ...

The moment of first contact with extraterrestrials is a staple of science fiction. It usually involves a frantic scientist ...

Early depictions of alien planets in science fiction reflected pure imagination — jungles on Venus, canals on Mars, and oxygen-rich skies orbiting distant stars. As astronomy advanced and telescopes ...

Scientists are listening in on sperm whale conversations and studying Earth's strangest microbes to prepare humanity for first contact with extraterrestrial life.