"Solaris" is a science fiction novel by Polish author Stanislaw Lem, first published in 1961. The novel is set on a space station orbiting the planet Solaris, a mysterious and oceanic planet that is covered entirely in a single, sentient organism.
The novel's protagonist is psychologist Kris Kelvin, who is sent to the space station to investigate the strange phenomena that are occurring among the crew, including hallucinations and vivid dreams. As Kelvin begins his investigation, he discovers that the planet Solaris has the ability to create physical manifestations of the crew's memories and fears, leading to a series of surreal and psychologically complex encounters.
The novel explores themes of consciousness, perception, memory, and the limits of human understanding. It is known for its imaginative and philosophical exploration of extraterrestrial life and the human condition.
"Solaris" has been widely translated and has influenced the science fiction genre with its psychological and philosophical depth. The novel has been adapted into several films, including a 1972 film by Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky and a 2002 film by American director Steven Soderbergh, and has inspired numerous other works of science fiction and philosophy.
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