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Star Wars enthusiasts engage in passionate debates over the mechanics of gravity on the Death Star

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Star Wars

Star Wars enthusiasts find themselves embroiled in another lively debate, taking a refreshing departure from the usual discussions about the quality of sequels or the representation of women in the franchise. This particular discourse delves into a previously overlooked technical aspect of the Death Star, the iconic planet-destroying superweapon.

In this latest exchange among Star Wars fans, the focus shifts to a topic that has rarely been explored until now. While dedicated viewers, both longstanding and more recent, have extensively analyzed the Death Star’s intricacies over the years, previous discussions often centered on the morality of Luke Skywalker’s actions in destroying the structure, notwithstanding its devastating impact on Alderaan—a once thriving but now grievously affected planet in the Star Wars universe. The current debate, however, steers toward more obscure territory.

This prompted a fan to initiate a fresh discussion on the official Star Wars subreddit. User Squeakyweegee64, with an envy-inducing username, posted an image presenting fans with a choice to ponder. The question at hand: Did the Death Star’s gravity function from top to bottom or from outside to in? While the initial response might appear straightforward to some, the intriguing aspect is that the apparent answer varies from person to person. The notion that such a colossal structure would possess natural gravity makes logical sense, yet the counterargument questions whether the station was purposefully designed to accommodate it.

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The discussion gained considerable traction on the subreddit, to the extent that it spilled over onto other platforms such as Threads. The widespread interest in this topic is understandable, given that it poses one of those intriguing questions that few might think to ask but many would readily have an opinion on. Numerous fans actively participated in the debate, with some strongly advocating for the top-to-bottom gravity concept, referencing diagrams found in official Star Wars media to support their stance. On a more playful note, some cheekily asserted the validity of this perspective, humorously citing the design of their LEGO sets as evidence.

“The Lego set don’t lie, it’s the left one.”

On the opposing side of the debate, arguments took a more creative turn. Fans not only pointed to similar diagrams but also seemed willing to make concessions. The prevailing consensus suggests that the interior of the Death Star likely operates on a top-to-bottom gravity system, evident from the way ships enter and the portrayal of vertically stacked interior layers in the unfinished station in Return of the Jedi. However, when it comes to the exterior, the narrative takes a different turn. Many enthusiasts concur that, given the configuration of laser turrets, the outside appears to feature a planet-like outside-to-in gravity. In a unique twist for Star Wars, it seems that, for the first time, everyone might be right.

“It’s so confusing. Craft enter the station horizontally, suggesting left. But all of the turbo lasers and towers (including the emperor’s throne room) are positioned and manned upright along the surface of the station, suggesting right.

Canonically I think it’s left, but it’s definitely inconsistent with some parts of the movies.”

Certainly, there’s ample opportunity to delve even deeper into the minutiae of this specific Star Wars discussion. Consider the notion that gravity, in its natural state, wouldn’t be feasible within a structure of such magnitude, as individuals would experience weightlessness akin to the moon’s surface. Consequently, the adoption of artificial gravity emerges as a more logical choice. In pursuing this approach, it becomes prudent to configure it in a manner consistent with the accustomed gravitational conditions for the sake of operational efficiency.

However, one cannot overlook the catastrophic destruction of the station, attributed to a vulnerability as minute as an exhaust port – a target comparable in size to a womp rat. In light of such a design flaw, it raises valid questions about the competence of the Empire’s engineers, inviting critical scrutiny.