George R.R. Martin, renowned for his epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, has ventured into the realm of physics, co-authoring a paper published in the American Journal of Physics. This unexpected foray into scientific literature explores the fictional "Wild Card" virus from the superhero anthology series of the same name, which Martin edits. The paper, co-written with physicist and Wild Cards author Ian Tregillis, utilizes mathematical modeling and problem-solving techniques to analyze the virus’s behavior and its impact on the human population within the fictional universe. This unique collaboration bridges the gap between science fiction and scientific inquiry, offering a novel approach to understanding complex physical concepts through the lens of imaginative storytelling.
The Wild Cards series, a collaborative effort by multiple authors, presents a world altered by a genetically engineered extraterrestrial virus. Released over New York City in 1946, the virus dramatically reshapes human destiny. The majority of those infected are transformed into "jokers," individuals afflicted with physical deformities and often ostracized by society. A fortunate few, however, develop extraordinary abilities, becoming "aces" – superpowered individuals navigating a world grappling with the virus’s profound consequences. The paper delves into the mechanics of this transformative virus, employing scientific principles to understand its unpredictable and often devastating effects.
Martin and Tregillis’s paper, titled "Ergodic Lagrangian dynamics in a superhero universe," proposes that fictional scenarios, particularly those found in superhero comics and similar media, can serve as engaging and effective tools for exploring and explaining complex physics problems. By framing the analysis within the context of the Wild Cards universe, the authors adopt the perspective of a theoretician attempting to construct a mathematical framework that explains the virus’s seemingly random distribution of powers and deformities. This approach leverages the inherent narrative appeal of the fictional world to make the underlying physics more accessible and engaging for readers.
The core of their analysis revolves around the Lagrangian method, a mathematical model used to analyze the motion of objects by breaking down their trajectories into discrete steps. Applying this method to the Wild Card virus, the authors translate the abstract concept of viral outcomes into a more concrete and manageable dynamical system. By studying the time-averaged behavior of this system, they aim to generate a statistical distribution that reflects the observed distribution of "jokers" and "aces" within the Wild Cards universe. This approach provides a structured framework for understanding the seemingly chaotic effects of the virus, transforming a complex problem into a more approachable and analyzable model.
While the paper undoubtedly contains technical language and complex equations, its underlying purpose is to demonstrate the versatility and applicability of physical concepts. By converting a seemingly intractable problem into a simplified dynamical system, the authors aim to empower students with a range of conceptual and mathematical tools to tackle complex scientific challenges. The paper’s unique approach underscores the potential of fictional narratives to serve as engaging platforms for exploring and explaining scientific principles, making complex concepts more accessible and relatable.
Despite this intriguing scientific detour, Martin’s devoted fans remain eagerly awaiting the long-delayed sixth installment of A Song of Ice and Fire, The Winds of Winter. While the author has acknowledged the possibility that the book may never be finished, he maintains his commitment to completing the series. Tregillis, a prolific author in his own right, with contributions to the Wild Cards series and several standalone novels, emphasizes the importance of character-driven storytelling. He highlights the role of the fictional virus as a catalyst for the world of Wild Cards, driving the narrative and shaping the destinies of the characters who inhabit it. This perspective underscores the power of fictional narratives to explore complex themes and create compelling worlds, even within the framework of scientific inquiry.
