It’s a fact of life, that just about everyone (fan or not) has at one point imagined what it would be like to have a Lightsaber of their own, and for years, many have puzzled over how it could potentially work in our world rather than just the big screen. Ever thought about how much energy it would actually take to destroy a planet like the Death Star? While the new movies (and novels) have talked about it more, the full science behind it is kind of staggering.
These, and many more, are the kind of topics explored in Patrick Johnson’s new book, The Physics of Star Wars: The Science Behind a Galaxy Far, Far Away. With a PhD in physics and a passion for Star Wars, Johnson brings a unique approach to the science behind the fiction. Don’t let the title fool you, however, this book isn’t a dry/boring dive into science. There’s plenty of technical facts to go around (providing solid insights for even the most astute), but it’s presented in a way that makes sense to fans of all backgrounds.
Johnson does a solid job of making this subject matter engaging, and breaks up the topics in a way that makes sense and easy to read. You can jump around from topic to topic, reading about what interests you most without feeling lost. It may not be the subject every fan wants to know about, but if you’re curious at all about the science behind Star Wars stuff and how technology today is catching up, it’s definitely a good read.
If you’re looking for a unique book to give out this holiday season, The Physics of Star Wars is a pretty great option, and available now.
-Jordan
