As a technology teacher with a profound love for astronomy, I’m always on the lookout for resources that bridge my passions. Recently, I stumbled upon a gem on Udemy that I can’t help but share with you all. It’s a course that dives into the intriguing worlds of Star Wars through the lens of real-life planetary science. Yes, you read that right – it’s a perfect blend of science fiction and factual astronomy, and it’s as exciting as it sounds! This is a link to the course:

https://www.udemy.com/course/planetary-science-with-star-wars-planets

The course, titled “Planetary Science With Star Wars Planets – Exploring the Planets of Star Wars and How Real-Life Planetary Science Applies,” offers a unique perspective on the iconic worlds that have captivated Star Wars fans for generations, including me. From Tatooine’s twin suns to the icy terrains of Hoth, this course explores how the fantastical planets we know and love from the Star Wars universe stack up against our current understanding of planetary science. It even turns out that more than 90% of the Star Wars planets are absolutely realistic (meaning they have a very high possibility of actually existing with the laws of physics and astronomy as we know them), and have real world prototypes and inspirations behind them. So, a lot of science is backing up most of Star Wars, it’s not just a fantasy world.

The course is meticulously crafted, hitting the sweet spot for both astronomy enthusiasts and Star Wars fans. It’s clear that the author is passionate about both subjects, and this enthusiasm is infectious. I’ve never see a more energetic, fun and extremely well prepared tutor on Udemy! She is just fantastic!

The course is split into 4 categories – Astronomy, Atmosphere Sciences, Geology and Oceanography. Each category contains lots and lots of planets and their exploration (along with a short clip and some pictures of the planet either from the movies, series or the various official encyclopedias on the topic of Star Wars’ world), so the course is perfect for broadening up the general science knowledge of anyone that is willing to take it.

As we journey through the various planets, the course provides fascinating insights into how these worlds compare to real celestial bodies. It discusses what is scientifically plausible and what remains purely within the realm of fantasy.

Learning about astronomy through the context of Star Wars adds an element of fun to the educational experience. It’s a fantastic way to engage students or anyone looking to learn more about planetary science in an entertaining format.

Examples from the course that I loved:

• Tatooine’s Twin Suns: How feasible is it for a planet to orbit two suns? The course delves into real-life binary star systems and their potential to host habitable planets

• Endor’s Forest Moon: Learn about the possibility of forested moons and how ecosystems might develop in such environments

• Mustafar’s Volcanic Fury: Discover the science behind volcanic planets and what it would take for a world like Mustafar to exist

If you’re someone who loves astronomy and Star Wars (like me), this course is a must-enroll. It cost me only €15 for about 7 hours of video materials to watch – what a bargain! When you create a Udemy account, every 3-4 days you get 24 hr sales and every course on the platform is either €15 or €10, which is ridiculously cheap!

The course not only enriched my understanding of planetary science but also deepened my appreciation for the detailed world-building in Star Wars. Whether you’re a teacher looking for engaging ways to introduce astronomy to your students or a hobbyist eager to learn more about the universe (or just a fan of the movies), this course offers valuable insights in an entertaining package.

Final Thoughts: Exploring the planets of Star Wars through real-life planetary science is a thrilling adventure I never knew I would love so much! This Udemy course manages to educate and entertain, making it a standout resource for anyone passionate about space and science fiction. As a technology teacher with a deep love for astronomy, I highly recommend this course. It’s a journey to a galaxy far, far away that’s grounded in the science of our own universe!