Andy Weir discusses his science-fueled novel “Project Hail Mary,” which has been adapted into a film that opens in theaters on Friday.

P-wave and S-wave arrivals, the kind of first things you get is extremely quiet for detecting those.” Seismic waves from earthquakes may seem localized, but just like tsunamis, these waves travel throughout the entire planet for hours or even days after an event.

As an astrophysicist, my world revolves around the wonders of space and the mysteries of the universe. This means I can be a tough critic of science fiction books and films that explore these topics.

WILLIAMSBURG — When William & Mary started its spring semester earlier this week, students were welcomed into the new Integrated Science Center 4, a new building part of the launch of the university’s first new school in half a century. The new ...