The current inspiration for this request is Contact by Carl Sagan, which I just finished reading. I really liked Ellie's early stream of consciousness of just asking questions about how stuff worked, I liked the optimism of some of how the world responded to it, and I liked some of the ideas of the interactions. Arthur C Clarke has a similar tone in some of his short stories, and there were elements of the exploration of the unknown, built heavily on real cosmology, in Project Hail Mary as well.
I do also like other types of sci-fi, but right now I'd love more suggestions like that. I want some of the wonder at the mysteries of the unknown, optimism about the best of humanity, maybe the beauty of sharing of knowledge and scientific cooperation, etc
by Particular-Treat-650