Guide:Common sci-fi errors

Common sci-fi errors are conventions used by countless sci-fi works, yet they are still blatant violations of the laws of physics. Our encouragement to avert these errors is what places us at the harder end of the sci-fi scale. Remember that we are not ultra-picky about the science if it obeys the Rule of Cool.

Space physics
Space is the most commonly misunderstood of all locations in science.

Explosions
The closest thing to an explosion that can happen in space is oxygen leaking out from the hull of a ship and igniting. It does not explode into a brilliant fireworks show.

Instant communications
Even between planets, there is a delay as radio only travels at the speed of light. In order to build a successful interstellar empire, one must find a way around this problem.

Sound
Sound cannot be heard in space without a medium to travel through. However, it can be heard in low orbit as there is indeed air there.

Breathing
One cannot breathe in space simply because there is no air for them.

Ambushes
Any well designed ship can detect another ship coming from many lightyears away. Ambushes in completely void interstellar space are impossible even with the aid of invisibility devices (which don't matter as ships best see through infrared and other sensors rather than visuals).

Maneuvering
Spacecraft cannot move like airplanes in space.

Invasions
Invasions should only happen for a very good reason. For economical purposes, an empire should consider other alternatives before trying to conquer a specific planet.

Red shirt army
Any military leader with common sense would be smart enough to train their men so that they know how to aim their guns properly. That way, they do not get mowed down by a single individual.

Blockading
Blockading only works if the object being guarded is particularly small such as a gate or portal. In space, there's a lot of space.

Laser guns
Contrary to popular belief, laser based weapons shoot their projectile at or near the speed of light. It does not move slower than a bullet.

Infantry
Infantry is still necessary in future societies, but don't forget that ships can do orbital bombardments, too. Be sure to justify why an orbital bombing cannot be done right away if you plan to have battle scenes on the ground.

Radiation
Even if radiation happens to cause a mutation on something, it is almost always lethal even if it does happen to give the individual superpowers. Such a rapid change in DNA is fatal.