Final answer:
Andy Weir created an exaggerated depiction of a windstorm on Mars in his book The Martian, which was later pointed out by astronomers as unlikely due to the planet's thin atmosphere. The excitement over Mars and extraterrestrial life was previously fueled by misconceptions like the perceived 'canals' on Mars. However, the rest of the book is often praised for its accurate portrayal of Mars.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Andy Weir wrote The Martian, he inadvertently created a scenario that sparked discussion about the scientific accuracy of Mars' atmospheric conditions. In the story, the protagonist, Mark Watney, is stranded on Mars due to a powerful windstorm that also prompts his crew to evacuate. However, astronomers later pointed out that such strong winds are unlikely on Mars because of the thin atmosphere.
Historically, the fascination with Mars and the possibility of an intelligent civilization existing there was popularized by astronomers like Giovanni Schiaparelli and Percival Lowell. Lowell's observations of the so-called 'canals' on Mars fueled public imagination and inspired works like H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds. But as our scientific understanding of Mars advanced, we came to realize that the 'canals' were indeed an optical illusion and that Mars' atmosphere is too thin to support such aggressive windstorms as depicted in The Martian.
Despite this inaccuracy, Andy Weir's The Martian is largely commended for its realistic portrayal of Mars in other aspects, such as the depiction of Martian terrain and survival strategies employed by the main character to endure the harsh environment.