These stories are set in the same future as the Foundation series, which had appeared in magazines starting in 1942. The tie is not close, and they are only loosely connected to each other, each being a complete tale in its own right. Their main common points are Asimov's idea of a future Galactic Empire, certain aspects of technology — hyperdrive, blaster pistols, "neuronic whips", the possible invention of the "Visi-Sonor" — and particular locations, such as the planet Trantor. Another connection was later established with "Robots and Empire," where Asimov revealed how Earth became radioactive, as mentioned in all three novels. Some sources further this argument by asserting that "The Stars, Like Dust" takes place about one thousand years following the events of "Robots and Empire". Also, the calendar used on spaceships in "The Stars, Like Dust" is the same that the Spacers introduce Lije Baley to in "The Robots of Dawn".