"Gravity," which is now the highest-grossing October release of all time, depicts destruction caused by out-of-control satellite debris ripping through anything that happens to be in its way -- including the International Space Station. In the film, the fragments are caused by a Russian anti-satellite test gone wrong -- but could this happen in real life?
Well, yes, unfortunately. It's called the Kessler syndrome, which basically dictates that with more and more debris orbiting around Earth, the chance of a collision becomes more likely. And once there's a collision, the debris from the collision could cause a chain reaction.
The film #Gravity depicts a scenario of catastrophic satellite destruction that can actually happen.
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) October 6, 2013
Before the film's release, we broached this subject with "Gravity" director Alfonso Cuarón and asked him how it would differ from what we see in his film. He argues that what we see in the film is pretty accurate -- but perhaps with a sped-up time frame.
"If that would happen -- it's called the Kessler syndrome," answered Cuarón. He continued, "if the Kessler syndrome would actually occur, it would occur at a different timing. Maybe it would be in the lapse of many months and years that that would start happening. But, then, the outcome would be that we would lose a lot of our satellites. And our economies are based on satellites."
So, yes, "Gravity" is fiction. Or, perhaps a "hyper-stylized" version of the facts is a better way to put it (there's also the matter of the true distance between the Hubble and the International Space Station). But, yes, it's still probably the closest thing a normal person will get to the actual feeling of being in space.
Mike Ryan is senior writer for Huffington Post Entertainment. You can contact him directly on Twitter.
The Peggy Siegal Company and Warner Brothers Pictures Hosts a Special Lunch Honoring "GRAVITY"
This image released by Starpix shows Sandra Bullock, left, and George Clooney at luncheon honoring the film "Gravity," and hosted by The Peggy Siegal Company and Warner Brothers Pictures at The Explorers Club, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013 in New York. (AP Photo/Starpix, Dave Allocca) -PICTURED: Sandra Bullock and George Clooney -PHOTO by: Dave Allocca/Startraksphoto.com -File name: DA560447.JPG -Location: The Explorers Club Editorial - Rights Managed Image - Please contact www.startraksphoto.com for licensing fee Startraks Photo New York, NY For licensing please call 212-414-9464 or email sales@startraksphoto.com
George Clooney, Sandra Bullock
Actors George Clooney and Sandra Bullock attend the premiere of "Gravity" at the AMC Lincoln Square Theaters on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actors Sandra Bullock (L) and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Producer David Heyman attends an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: (L-R) Director Alfonso Cuaron, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actor George Clooney attends an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actors Sandra Bullock (L) and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actors Sandra Bullock (L) and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actors Sandra Bullock (L) and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: (L-R) Director Alfonso Cuaron, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actor George Clooney attends an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: (L-R)The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences New York Events Director Patrick Harrison, Alfonso Cuaron, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actors Sandra Bullock (L) and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: (L-R) New York Events Director of the The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Patrick Harrison, Jonas Cuaron, George Clooney, Sandra Bullock, Alfonso Cuaron and David Heyman attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: (L-R) Director Alfonso Cuaron, Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Jonas Cuaron and David Heyman attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actors Sandra Bullock (L) and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actress Sandra Bullock attends an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actors Sandra Bullock (L) and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actors Sandra Bullock (L) and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: (L-R) Director Alfonso Cuaron, Sandra Bullock and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actress Sandra Bullock attends an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actors Sandra Bullock (L) and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actor George Clooney attends an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences Hosts An Official Academy Members Screening Of "Gravity"
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 02: Actors Sandra Bullock (L) and George Clooney attend an official screening of 'Gravity' for Academy members hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 2, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney and Sandra Bullock attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: Sandra Bullock arrives at the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: Sandra Bullock attends at the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney and Sandra Bullock attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: Sandra Bullock attends at the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney and Sandra Bullock attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney and Sandra Bullock attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney and Sandra Bullock attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: Sandra Bullock attends at the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: Sandra Bullock attends at the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney and Sandra Bullock attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney and Sandra Bullock attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney and Sandra Bullock attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
"Gravity" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: George Clooney and Sandra Bullock attends the 'Gravity' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
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