With the latest Star Wars film The Rise of Skywalker set to hit cinema screens next month, staff and students are invited to a special event exploring what is science and what is fiction in the iconic movie series.
Using actual scenes from the films, Professor Carsten Welsch, Head of the Department of Physics, will examine some of the iconic technologies and concepts that feature in the films and show how they relate to the world of physics and connect to the research programmes that University physicists are involved in.
Amongst other technologies, Professor Welsch will use the laws of physics to consider whether or not it is actually possible to build a LIGHTSABER, the ancient weapon of the Jedi used to cut through blast doors or enemies alike.
He will also show how physics – specifically matter and antimatter interactions – can explain the LIGHT and the DARK SIDE of The FORCE which physicists are exploring in the brand-new research network AVA.
Professor Welsch said: “Many people will be looking forward to the forthcoming Star Wars episode IX movie, and this event is an opportunity to connect in a fun, informative and entertaining way the Star Wars universe with the world of physics and the amazing research programmes that we here at Liverpool undertake.”
“My presentation will bring to life the science behind the fiction in the Star Wars and allow me to highlight a number of research challenges we are currently facing and how technologies from the famous movie series relates to our day-to-day R&D.”
The evening will also include hands-on activities including proton mini golf, cryogenic experiments, droid races, augmented reality experiments, Star Wars characters, refreshments and opportunities to speak with researchers and students.
The Physics of Star Wars takes place on Wednesday, 20 November 2019, from 5pm – 8pm in the Central Teaching Laboratories.
In order to secure a (free) place, you need to register via the following link: Physics of Star Wars event page
Earlier in the day, more than 150 local high school students will visit campus to be able to enjoy `The Physics of Star Wars’ which has been designed to introduce them to cutting-edge science in an informative and entertaining manner.
The event is supported by the Science and Technology Funding Council and the European Union.