79: Chemistry in Star Wars
Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
Release Date: 06/06/2026
81: Star Wars Tourism panel at SDCC 2026
Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share our panel from San Diego Comic-Con 2026 "Star Wars Tourism: Visiting a Galaxy Far, Far Away on Earth!" For this fun panel, held in the Star Wars room on Friday of SDCC, we were joined by SDSU professor Jake Rowlett. It was a great discussion of the filming sites we've been to, along with fun pictures (and even a video!), plus James sharing how much work he's done to find some of these places around the world. We recommend checking out the YouTube video linked below for this episode, there's lots of great visuals. Hopefully this inspires you to...
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80: Awe in Star Wars
Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Deana Weibel about her book "The Ultraview Effect" and how to recognize the sense of awe in a galaxy far, far away (as well as our own!). The ultraview effect refers to astronauts who see the depths of space and are awed by the unknown. There may not be much awe of space travel in Star Wars, but there is awe when it comes to the power of the Force. Luke Skywalker's journey in the original trilogy lines up with an astronaut's journey, including him being humbled and coming back to learn more. We also cover Force Ghosts, how awe can become...
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Bonus: Science of Disneyland, recorded at WonderCon 2026
Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of Melissa's WonderCon 2026 panel "Science of Disneyland!" Watch of this episode for all the amazing behind the scenes visuals shared during the panel! Panel description: Disneyland is just down the road, so let’s take a virtual field trip to explore the parks from a different point of view. We’ll cover topics including physics, the psychology of play and Disney adults, the history of witches and magic, and the role of technology and automation in the happiest place on Earth. Our panel of experts includes astrophysicist Lisa...
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79: Chemistry in Star Wars
Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
On this episode of Star Warsologies, we chat with chemistry professor (and Melissa's former boss!) Seth Cohen. We get into a discussion of lightsabers, of course, and learn about the real-life crystals involved in laser experiments that sound a lot like Kyber crystals. There's also a lot of cool info about different metals, including how the strength of beskar might not be in the material itself but how it's prepared. We get into some fun new questions about the cortosis helmet in The Acolyte too. Seth calls chemistry "the central science" and we really do find a variety of topics to cover...
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78: Star Wars Insider: A Fond Farewell
Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
On this episode of Star Warsologies, we chat with Chris Cooper, editor of Star Wars Insider magazine. The final issue is out now! We send our beloved Star Wars Insider magazine off with a fond farewell discussion with editor Chris Cooper. Hear James and Melissa's origin stories in terms of their work for the magazine! Listen to us compliment each other on our favorite articles that the other has written! Learn more about Chris's work and fandom, and what he wants to do next. And then go pick up your copy of Star Wars Insider issue 237, the end of an era. Show Notes: ! Learn more about...
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77: Cybersecurity in Star Wars
Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
On this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk cybersecurity (or lack thereof) in Star Wars with expert Malia Mason. There's a lot of plot points around stolen data in Star Wars - Rebel Base locations, Death Star plans, undercover ISB agents just to name a few. Malia talks about her work and whether she would work for the good guys or end up recruited by the Imperials. Of course we cover R2-D2's ability to plug into a random port on the Death Star and download information. Could that be because he was once Anakin Skywalker's droid and has outdated permissions? And what does our expert think of...
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76: Wearable Tech in Star Wars
Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
On this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to bioengineering professor Benjamin Smarr about technology integrated into the body. There's tons of wearable tech in Star Wars! Luke has a prosthetic hand and Darth Vader is more machine than man. How does that technology integrate into their bodies and minds? Benajmin Smarr shares his insights from researching health technology that helps people understand the patterns our bodies go through. He also speculates about projects he'd pursue if he was a professor in the Star Wars galaxy - including whether Jedi's midichlorian count changes are they...
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75: Earthquake Geology in Star Wars
Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
This episode of Star Warsologies we talk to earthquake geologist Wendy Bohon about planets, lava and lots and lots of explosions! Dr. Wendy Bohon joins us this month to discuss how life might begin and be sustained on planets in a galaxy far, far away. The answer is earthquakes! Or are they called Tatooine-quakes and Hoth-quakes? We dive into Naboo's watery core and discuss whether Mustafar was the right place to build an evil lair. And of course we get in to the Death Star's ability to destroy planets. Alderaan is in pieces but what happened during the tests on Jedha and Scarif? Show...
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74: Classical Studies in Star Wars
Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
This episode of Star Warsologies we delve into classical studies - languages, archeology, and epigraphy, which is study of ancient inscriptions! Giraffe joins us to talk about her early introduction to languages with Stargate and The Mummy. She explains the difference between scripts and languages. She also answers important questions like: Does Yoda talk that way just to be different? and Why does anyone hang out with C-3PO? We also get into the inevitable discussion of AI's role in translating and understanding ancient languages and scripts, as well as how the Empire removing people from...
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Bonus: Celebrating the Puppetry Arts panel at San Diego Comic-Con
Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
As a holiday bonus, please enjoy this recording of a panel from San Diego Comic-Con 2025 - Celebrating the Puppetry Arts! Panel Description: Puppets have entertained and educated the masses for centuries but the artistry also changes and advances with new technology. Professional puppet builders and performers share insights from their careers working on franchises like Star Wars and the Muppet movies, as well as their experiences with non-traditional puppetry like animatronics, motion capture, and claymation. Panelists include Cheralyn Lambeth (puppet builder, Dinosaurs!, Avenue Q), Kirk...
info_outlineOn this episode of Star Warsologies, we chat with chemistry professor (and Melissa's former boss!) Seth Cohen.
We get into a discussion of lightsabers, of course, and learn about the real-life crystals involved in laser experiments that sound a lot like Kyber crystals. There's also a lot of cool info about different metals, including how the strength of beskar might not be in the material itself but how it's prepared. We get into some fun new questions about the cortosis helmet in The Acolyte too. Seth calls chemistry "the central science" and we really do find a variety of topics to cover when it comes to Star Wars!
Show Notes:
Seth's research group is currently at UCSD but he's moving soon to UC Irvine! And learn more about DARPA projects like Atmospheric Water Extraction and LifeStraw that we talked about.
Learn more about MOFs (the chemistry kind) that earned the Nobel Prize!
You can also check out Mike Sailor's research at UCSD that we talked about in terms of beskar armor!
Check out our related episodes on lasers in Star Wars and one about prosthetics.
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
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Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.