25 of the best fictional planets to visit
Whether you want adventure or relaxation, here are 25 of the best fictional planets for you to visit.
It’s pretty easy to get frustrated with this planet these days. There’s the environmental degradation, the worrisome politics, and the many different ways that pop culture can disappoint you as you inevitably slide into old age. Really, it’s all enough to make you feel like you’re Futurama’s disgruntled Professor Farnsworth, only without the handy rocket ship.
Maybe it’s time to visit another planet, then. Unfortunately, the real world is currently a little disappointing on that front, too. That’s not to downplay all of the hard work that scientists are doing, what with orbiting super-advanced satellites around Jupiter, taking high-resolution pictures of Pluto, and flinging not one, but two Voyager exploratory craft into the depths of outer space.
Alas, for all of the cool photos and rock samples, we haven’t found one alien. Neither have we stumbled upon glittering cities or high-tech artificial intelligence. Frankly, none of what’s within our grasp really sounds like much of a vacation. Well, unless you think the intense solar radiation and constant dust devils on Mars sound like fun. No judgment. But for the rest of us, we’d like something a little more stimulating.
Sticking with it
None of this is to say that we should give up on our own very real Earth. Space Exploration Day is all about the joy and excitement of for-real space adventuring. Whether we stay near our home planet or start venturing out farther than ever, it’s still a very achievable goal for our species.
Ultimately, the tension of much science fiction is balanced between escapism and the vision of a better future. We want to be like poor, disappointed Professor Farnsworth and simply blast away from a planet that’s failed us in many respects. That’s not a possibility right now, though.
Anyway, a little escapism now and again isn’t so terrible. No one is rightfully going to blame you for a bit of dreaming. So, with that in mind, read on for 25 of the best fictional planets for your next imaginary adventure.