John Jacob Astor IV wrote the science fiction novel A Journey Into Other Worlds, published in 1894.
It takes place in 2000 AD.
Astor was prophetic in his predictions of the 21st century.
It takes place in 2000 AD.
Astor was prophetic in his predictions of the 21st century.
The story opens with the attempt by humanity to alter the Earthβs axis. They use major terraforming at the poles, in order to lessen the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth to 15 degrees, to produce more controllable and pleasant climates. Passing comets help facilitate the process
They have massive destructive bombs, which can easily level cities, and there is a resulting deterrence strategy
Trains are powered by mag-lev technology, and trolleys operate with electricity transferred through the air.
Police use traffic cams to monitor traffic safety. Phosphorescent paint is used for marking roadways. There very are wide multi-lane roadways
Telephones have virtually instantaneous worldwide communication, with phone cables now buried underground, and have face-to-face calls.
Telephones have virtually instantaneous worldwide communication, with phone cables now buried underground, and have face-to-face calls.
Electricity and rechargeable batteries are the norm. Charging stations in each town.
They harness the power of thunderstorms.
They harness the power of thunderstorms.
Medicine is based off of healthy diet, and using certain foods to heal the body.
They use solar lasers and Stirling engine tech to power watercraft, something they are actually working on today, along with getting a better understanding of platinum/oxygen/hydrogen interactions.
They use solar lasers and Stirling engine tech to power watercraft, something they are actually working on today, along with getting a better understanding of platinum/oxygen/hydrogen interactions.
Strangely enough, they have also completely eliminated rabbits and snakes in certain areas of the world
The story then expands into space travel to Jupiter and Saturn, through the use of βapergyβ, a force that works in synergy with gravitation, enabling high speed space travel.
Electric force fields protect the spacecraft from space.
Electric force fields protect the spacecraft from space.
When they get to Jupiter, they launch into an adventure on a planet that is very similar to James Cameronβs Avatar world.
Flora has bioluminescence, fauna is large and varied. Flowers produce sound that attracts birds, which are the pollinators.
They really hate snakes.
Flora has bioluminescence, fauna is large and varied. Flowers produce sound that attracts birds, which are the pollinators.
They really hate snakes.
They also love to blast the living shit out of anything that moves. Large or small, no animal is safe. The second they set foot on Jupiter and Saturn, the shooting commences. Which seems a bit at odd with the spirit of discovery.
From there, they end up on Saturn. It turns out Saturn is Purgatory. And spirits can communicate with the adventurers.
Saturn is the gate before passing into Heaven, while a planet far beyond Neptune is Hell, a vast ice world, called Cassandra.
Pluto was discovered in 1930.
Saturn is the gate before passing into Heaven, while a planet far beyond Neptune is Hell, a vast ice world, called Cassandra.
Pluto was discovered in 1930.
The story ends with these deep spiritual discussions, enforcing the notion of the shortness of our lives, and the urgent need to perform acts of charity and kindness to our fellow human, yet also instilling the fear of Hell, especially if one does not adhere to Christian beliefs.
There is a lot more to this story, particularly the astronomical/science info. I kept looking up his scientific descriptions, comparing to present day,and finding actual current science to back up many ideas.
As I read the story, I couldnβt help but think of Jules Verne. If I was reading this without knowing who the author was, I would absolutely swear that it was Jules Verne who wrote it.
Loading suggestions...