The Physics of Star Wars: The Science Behind a Galaxy Far, Far Away

I had the unbelievable privilege of having the author of this book as my physics professor at Georgetown University. I never dreamed that I could actually make it through a full year of calculus-based physics, but with Dr. Johnson at the helm, learning physics was a joy, even for someone like me who was TERRIFIED of physics going into it!This book reads just like Dr. Johnson is in real life: down to earth, very relatable, extremely funny, and able to make physics interesting for any student (or reader). This is probably sort of obnoxious to say, but in my experience the typical physics enthusiast/professor isn't very capable of making physics at all engaging or enjoyable. I mean, really, when you think "physics professor," you probably think of some extremely boring class presided over by an even more boring professor. But Dr. Johnson is the opposite! Which is why this book is so fantastic.In this book, he takes his talent for explaining physics so well (and with so much humor!), combines it with his literally limitless storage of Star Wars knowledge, and uses each to springboard off the other, weaving together a book that leaves you knowing far more about both your own world and the worlds created in the Star Wars movies. I am nowhere near the Star Wars enthusiast that he is, however, I have found myself wondering if some of the cool things I've seen in Star Wars movies could really be a reality someday (or somewhere in another universe), and he happily addresses these questions in his book.For example, who hasn't wondered if we could ever have lightsabers or blasters (or what they really are made of)? And what's up with people hurting each other with lightning that comes out of their fingers? And could the Death Star REALLY destroy another planet? And, if so, how could it do that? And I had never really understood what Luke's family was doing - moisture farming? What the heck? And I had never really thought much about how cool it was that Luke's home planet had two suns (turns out, we here on earth don't WANT two suns - Dr. Johnson explains why!). And how in the world does the Millenium Falcon barrel through the universe at light speed without hitting things like planets and such that should otherwise be in its way?And on and on. He takes our reality and uses it to talk about their reality in Star Wars, or he takes their reality and helps us understand ours better. These themes are woven throughout the book, and the result is masterful and so very interesting. If you like science or Star Wars (especially if you like Star Wars!), this is YOUR BOOK.

I have read all of the Star Wars science books out and this was by FAR, my favorite. They way Dr. Johnson set up and explained each concept was interesting, informative, and easy to follow. He found the perfect way of explain things in a way where those who are not “science inclined,” can understand.

Hello,This part quote from the "About the Author" section of the book may say it all:"...As Patrick went through college at the University of Dayton, he began TAing for physics classes, but his favorite was a class for non-scientists. Through that class, Patrick found his love for science communication. It was also during this time that he began to explore different ways to connect physics to people’s lives..."This is not a fanboy explanation, stretching real physics beyond an uncomfortable level trying to make something in science fiction seem possible. The author starts with what the physics in Star Wars must be to make it work there, then uses that to introduce and then teach real physics, and very well, indeed.FredDisclaimer: My wife taught Patrick in Montessori school and works part-time with Patrick's father. I have had little interaction with Patrick other than hearing proud stories from his Mom and Dad.

The one surprise was the format. A large number of mostly independent articles one to five pages in length. You can open the book midway, choose an article, and read it without really requiring any knowledge from prior pages. This results in some repetition of information article to article. I found the repetition annoying when I first tried to read it cover to cover. I gave up on that approach, now occasionally open to a random page and read an article. Quite content with the book using that approach to reading. Fantastic gift idea for a Star Wars fan.

The physics of the fictional Star Wars world are not fully described. Instead, for each entry (light sabre, light speed, Luke's land speeder, blasters, etc...) the book offers a quick lesson in basic real-world physics and the offers general suggestions about whether Star Wars things could possibly be developed. It does not offer much in way of explaining HOW those things might possibly work. A fun read, but not too inspiring.

Great. Exactly as expected. Brand new. No complaints.

This scientific evaluation of the physics of Star Wars can be appreciate by both laymen and those with a science background.

A great book for those with interests in both physics and Star Wars, regardless of the physics background or knowledge of the reader. Johnson does an outstanding job presenting difficult concepts in the context of something we all understand - Star Wars. Not for those who haven't seen Star Wars though; at least watch those movies first.

Gli argomenti sono interessanti e molto vari, forse un po' troppo. Inoltre è una narrazione che non ho trovato molto entusiasmante e coinvolgente.