How fast could the Emporer from Star Wars lightning be?

In summary: It would be difficult to convincingly depict a character in an action sequence reacting at the speed of light.
  • #1
ReptileBaird
17
0
Remember when he shot it at Mace Windu? How fast was that? Does it mean Mace Windu can react at the speed of ligfht?? What about when he shot Luke Skywraker with it? Or Hano Solo?

basic Question?: How fast is star wars lightning?
 
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  • #3
  • #4
No, why should size matter in this instance?

Lightning is an electric charge traveling through the air.

The link below talks about the very first stroke that travels 30m at a time and pauses for 50usecs before traveling another 30m which implies it travels in spurts creating a tube for other strokes to follow.

https://van.physics.illinois.edu/qa/listing.php?id=533
 
  • #5
jedishrfu said:
No, why should size matter in this instance?

Lightning is an electric charge traveling through the air.

The link below talks about the very first stroke that travels 30m at a time and pauses for 50usecs before traveling another 30m which implies it travels in spurts creating a tube for other strokes to follow.

https://van.physics.illinois.edu/qa/listing.php?id=533
hm at 2:35 do you think it did just that? traveled a short distance then paused? i just find it hard to believe since they usually don't have even microsecond reactions in star wars
 
  • #6
ReptileBaird said:
Remember when he shot it at Mace Windu? How fast was that? Does it mean Mace Windu can react at the speed of ligfht?? What about when he shot Luke Skywraker with it? Or Hano Solo?

basic Question?: How fast is star wars lightning?

According to the rules of that universe, the Force effectively enables its users to see a short way into the future, which means light-speed reactions are not required. This is typically demonstrated by the Jedi ability to deflect weapons fire with a light saber.

And the "lightning" does not appear to be like our lightning, but rather a continuous discharge which moves forward at a fast but visible speed.
 
  • #7
If you remember the dinner at Annakin's house in Epi 1 Qui-gon Jin said that Jedi could see things before they happened. So its a matter of how far ahead Mace could see, far enough ahead to complete the physical actions necessary to be not where it was going to hit?
 
  • #8
Jonathan Scott said:
According to the rules of that universe, the Force effectively enables its users to see a short way into the future, which means light-speed reactions are not required. This is typically demonstrated by the Jedi ability to deflect weapons fire with a light saber.

And the "lightning" does not appear to be like our lightning, but rather a continuous discharge which moves forward at a fast but visible speed.
a vast but visible speed/continuous discharge? could you explain a bit more?
 
  • #9
He meant that the leading edge of the lightning can be seen advancing toward the target. It doesn't act like light, doesn't move at what we would perceive as instantaneous.

Personally I imagine that was artistic rather than "real world".
 

1. How fast can the Emperor's lightning travel?

The speed of the Emperor's lightning is never explicitly stated in the Star Wars universe. However, based on its appearance and impact on objects, it can be estimated to travel at the speed of light, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second.

2. Is the Emperor's lightning faster than other forms of lightning?

The Emperor's lightning is a form of Force lightning, which is significantly different from natural lightning. While natural lightning can travel at speeds of up to 60,000 meters per second, the Emperor's lightning is generated through the Force and can reach much higher speeds, potentially even the speed of light.

3. Can the Emperor's lightning be blocked or redirected?

Yes, the Emperor's lightning can be blocked or redirected by skilled Force users. For example, in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Darth Vader was able to block the Emperor's lightning with his lightsaber. However, it requires a strong connection to the Force and precise timing to successfully block or redirect the lightning.

4. How does the speed of the Emperor's lightning compare to other Force abilities?

The speed of the Emperor's lightning is considered to be one of the fastest Force abilities. However, it may not be as fast as other abilities such as Force speed or Force teleportation, which allow a user to move their physical body at high speeds or instantly teleport to another location.

5. Can the Emperor's lightning be used in space or on other planets?

Yes, the Emperor's lightning can be used in space or on other planets as it is generated by the Force and not affected by environmental factors. However, the strength and effectiveness of the lightning may vary depending on the user's connection to the Force and the surrounding environment.

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