An example of an analogy used to explain a science concept:
"The interstellar gas controls the birth of the stars. … Astronomers are generally agreed that the galaxy started its life as a rotating flat disc of gas with no stars in it. There would everywhere be small disturbances in the detailed motions of the small bits [sic] of gas, especially near the edge of the disc. To assume a complete absence of such disturbances would be rather like supposing that the flow of water in a whirlpool could be entirely smooth being devoid of ripples and small eddies. Now how does a rotating disc of very diffuse gas give birth to compact stars? The first step is a cooling at a number of different, more or less arbitrary places in the disc."
Fred Hoyle (1960) The Nature of the Universe (Revised ed.), 1960
Read examples of scientific analogies
Many examples of science analogies are listed in 'Creative comparisons: Making science familiar through language. An illustrative catalogue of figurative comparisons and analogies for science concepts'. Free Download.
The suggestions that the galaxy has a life, and that stars are born can be seen as metaphors. [Read: The passing of stars. Birth, death, and afterlife in the universe]
Read about metaphor in science
Read about examples of science metaphors
Many examples of science metaphors are listed in 'Creative comparisons: Making science familiar through language. An illustrative catalogue of figurative comparisons and analogies for science concepts'. Free Download.
