The Martian is a science fiction novel by Andy Weir that tells the gripping story of astronaut Mark Watney, who becomes stranded on Mars after a dust storm forces his crew to evacuate, believing him to be dead. With limited supplies and no way to communicate with Earth, Watney must use his ingenuity and knowledge of botany to survive in the harsh Martian environment. The novel explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the human spirit's determination to overcome adversity. It was later adapted into a successful film directed by Ridley Scott, further popularizing the story and its scientific accuracy.