The popular science genre, also known as “popsci,” reinterprets and presents scientific information in a way that appeals to a general audience. Whereas most scientific publications and papers are written for scientists and experts (either professional or academic), popular science is instead written for laypeople who do not necessarily have any specialized knowledge of the subject matter or its wider field. Popular science media can take the form of books or articles, television programs or movies, or any kind of online media. It typically uses humor, informal language, and relatable contextualization to communicate complex scientific ideas entertainingly and engagingly. The genre has existed since the 18th century, when scientific advancement and improvement in further education created an increasing knowledge gap between scientists and the general public. This gave rise to a distinction between science publications intended for specialists and those intended for an interested but uninformed readership.

Randall Munroe, a former NASA roboticist and a prominent figure in contemporary popular science, has joined figures like Neil DeGrasse Tyson to follow in the footsteps of major popular science authors and presenters, such as Carl Sagan and Bill Nye, to bridge the gap between scientific communities and the general public.