Relevant is that (competing) models predict as many observations/experiments as possible.

And this happens with equations in mostly mathematical models.

The way how these formulas are interpreted (I'd rather say "motivated") is disputed and changing quite frequently (and often even not possible).

Mathematical instruments can evolve (non-euclidean geometry? string theory?), metaphors ("indivisible" Atom?) can change, CGI artists working for Sagan and his successors can invent new imaginations.

At the end most people only remember things like an animated reddish Einstein approaching light speed on a bike in a genius-pop-culture.

Like having weird hair and showing your tongue or sitting in a wheelchair with a voice computer are attributes of a brainy superhero.