The Science of Star Wars

"Likely to have lasting appeal . . . This is an unusually rich, diverse, and reasonable analysis of the scientific questions raised by the Star Wars series . . . Sigh, if only Jeanne Cavelos had been my teacher."—San Francisco Examiner

"This book is for all of us who wonder why jumping into hyperspace isn't like dusting crops on Tatooine . . . Appealing and accessible . . . The scientific research presented [here] is the mainstream of current thinking in astrophysics, cosmology, robotics, genetics, and biological adaptation."—The Christian Science Monitor

"The author examines five major areas—planetary environments, aliens, druids, space ships and weapons, and the Force—in sufficient detail to satisfy even knowledgeable fans. Take Luke's desert home world, Tatooine. When Star Wars first came out, scientists doubted the existence of planets in other solar systems, but since 1995 several have been found. Could a planet form around a binary star? Yes, but due to gravitational forces only if the stars were very far apart or very close, so as Luke gazes out at his two suns setting, he sees an accurate portrayal of a binary system. Most of the Star Wars aliens fare equally well. The Wookies keen sense of smell, for example, would give them an alternative means of communication so that they might need to vocalize only with grunts and howls. Can the force be with you? Physicist David Bohm posited a quantum potential force that would interpenetrate and bind together everything in the universe, but only Yoda knows if we can direct it with our minds. Cavelos' engaging style makes this book a treat, with no science background necessary."—Publishers Weekly

"Cavelos, an astrophysicist, mathematician, writer, and teacher, examines the science behind George Lucas's popular series of movies, comparing his fictional universe with the universe as we currently understand it. She points out that in the two decades since the debut of Star Wars: A New Hope, science has come much closer to making Lucas's vision a reality. Rapid interstellar travel is theoretically possible. Extraterrestrial life is apparently more abundant than previously thought. Robots seem to need emotions to learn and interact effectively with humans. There may even be—dare we say it?—a Force. The writing is clear and geared toward readers with 'no particular science background' although some is necessary. The author lightens the jargon with humor, and her examples for scientific principals and phenomena are apt."—Susan Salpini, Purcellville Library, Virginia, School Library Journal