Definition of Solaris (novel)

Solaris is a Polish science fiction novel by Stanisław Lem (1921-2006), published in Warsaw in 1961 and probably his most famous work. The novel uses remote space exploration as a metaphor for whether the human mind will ever understand a truly alien life form. While the narration suggests that humans study the planet, the opposite seems to be the case, where the titular alien planet Solaris examines the secret, often guilty thoughts of men, which in the novel are given physical form and which invade the space station, disturbing the routine. The novel is pervaded by a powerful and moving poetic sense of remoteness and loneliness.