Astrophysics and the Death Star

[fantasyjunkie]

I have 2 questions for anyone with some knowledge of astrophysics. Would the 2nd Death Star affect the moon of Endor in anyway by being there in orbit? For example affecting the atmosphere or climate because of gravity from orbiting or anything like that? and the 2nd question is what would happen to Endor after the Death Star blew up? I've wondered this for a while but I have no education in a field like that. Thanks in advance to anyone that can help out! :bow:

[Lychon]

Well, if the Death Star is massive enough (and I think it is), then yes, it would effect close by moons and planets through TIDES. These gravitational tides would exert a pull on Endor and its moons, much the same way that our Moon exerts a pull on the Earth (and vice versa).

If a massive object in space suddenly disappears or 'blows up,' then not only would the debris go flying outward, but a gravitational wave would also go flying outward which would effect objects of mass nearby. Imagine space-time as a trampoline, and the Death Star resting on this trampoline. The trampoline is dipped because of the mass of the Death Star, and if that mass were removed, the trampoline would rebound and send ripples outward. The same effect would be witnessed if the Death Star blew up in space or if it suddenly disappeared, but I'm not sure if the Death Star is massive enough to have a significant effect with these gravitational waves on Endor or surrounding moons.

Hope this helps.

-LYCHON

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

i presume you are referring to Star Wars,
the Death Star is just a chunk of metal (rather like a big satellite) so I wouldn't expect any drastic climatic changes on Endor after Episode VI. After the Death Star blew up I would deem it dangerous to be still on the planet due to bits of metallic fragments floating around and hitting Endor in a comet-like fashion.
Ironically one of Saturn's moons photographed three years after the first Star Wars film came out bears striking resemblance to the series most beloved enemy base

[Captain Maxx Power]

Everything you wanted to know about Death Stars, and a whole bunch you didn't. (http://www.theforce.net/SWTC/ds/index.html)

[fantasyjunkie]

Thanks guys! :)