How fast could the Emporer from Star Wars lightning be?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the speed of Emperor Palpatine's lightning in Star Wars, comparing it to real-world lightning, which travels at about one-third the speed of light. Participants debate whether the size of the lightning affects its speed and whether Mace Windu's ability to react to it implies he can react at light speed. It is suggested that the Force allows Jedi to predict movements, negating the need for light-speed reactions, as demonstrated by their ability to deflect blaster fire. The lightning is characterized as a continuous discharge that moves visibly rather than instantaneously. Overall, the conversation highlights the differences between cinematic representation and real physics regarding lightning.
ReptileBaird
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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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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
 
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
 
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.
 
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?
 
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?
 
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".
 
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