☀️ COMMUNITY PROJECT
Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening. Thanks for joining us, and welcome back to another Science and Star Wars! Warning: this episode gets speculatory!
In this analysis, I will be explaining the semi-entirety of the Galaxy Far, Far Away's chemistry, most notably its periodic table and biochemistry. How similar is it to ours? Are any laws different?
Chemistry is the study of matter. This includes everything that exists, that isn't energy. Anything made of atoms is matter. Gases, solids, liquids, and even more complicated forms like plasma, Fermi gas, and Bose–Einstein condensate. Every atom corresponds to a specific element. Atoms can join together to create compounds, like ionic and covalent.
Firstly, let's begin with the periodic table.
Few people have gone through school without seeing this chart. In fact, it's practically the face of chemistry itself. This wonderful chart lists all the known elements, even predicting some that—to our knowledge—can only be created in a lab through particle accelerators, where atoms of different, more stable elements are smashed together to create new ones (although these typically only last for a few minutes, or even seconds).
Now, how similar would this be to the Star Wars galaxy's elements?
All the basic elements in our universe exist in Star Wars, with the same atomic number, mass, and properties. This includes hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, neon, sodium, and magnesium(these links will be linked to Canon by default. Please check out their Legends equivalents as well as it's likely more detailed).
However going past magnesium towards the more advanced elements, is where it can get tricky to explain. Many of the elements are still present in Star Wars, including aluminum, silicon, gold, etc., but it gets complicated when you consider the following factors.
Many of Earth's elements are named after Earth locations and people, that would not exist in the Star Wars galaxy and thus the names thereof would not come into place.
Any element past atomic number 83 is unstable, and thus radioactive. Most radioactive elements will not be stable, and probably will not last more than a short period of time.
Now this would quite obviously mean many of our elements' names aren't in Star Wars. But I see no reason that they couldn't exist with differing names. The second factor states you can't have many base elements past 83, as they're likely extremely unstable and therefore useless in most basic circumstances. This would limit the amount of unique elements.
So what are some elements that are unique to the Star Wars galaxy? Well, we know of regvis, bospridium, graxitium, etc. Many can be found in the following category:
We don't know a lot about these elements, so they could, indeed, very well be a familiar Earth element with a different name attached. Regvis, for example, we know nothing about. We know it's an element, that's likely part of Bavo Six (a neurological serum). That's it. It's not likely radioactive due to being used in a serum, and as it is part of a non-lethal neurological serum, probably not a metal either. So assuming the Star Wars galaxy has the same chemical laws as our galaxy, it could be something like rubidium.
Most of the Earth's non-metals are in Star Wars, so that leaves very little room for different/differently named, non-radioactive, non-metals.
Going through the elements category, there is 87 entries. 74 of them are not duplicates. Very few of them are explicitly radioactive. So, technically this could work. Taking what's left that that doesn't work, we can apply the fact that many of these elements are elements of compounds. Many of these 'elements' are just labeled elements with the category. They may or may not be confirmed elements. Additionally, with the millions of different cultures, much is probably confused in the archives. Perhaps many of these elements are actually just the same, with different isotopes.
Perhaps scientists in Star Wars consider elements with different isotopes different elements. This couldn't apply to them all, but it seems to be another good explanation for many of these element possibilities. There are some differences between our chemical laws and Star Wars', this likely solves the element problem.
But . . . don't get ahead of yourself. We've only just created a theoretical explanation for the periodic table; the base of all chemistry. Why did we do this? To pragmatically continue on with the post, of course!
Now, we'll actually look at the elements of this galaxy. I linked earlier the list of elements known to us in the Star Wars galaxy. Many of these are identical to Earth's, as previously stated, but many are original or exclusive to the Star Wars galaxy. Many of these elements are metals that very well could replace Earth's metals, like terenthium, gadolinium, or desh. Many of these are used to create alloys for structures and ships, or used in technology to create circuitry. Relatively typical uses and properties of most metals.
Other metals include precious metals, like gold, kakaorzum, or aurodium (which could possibly be a stable isotope of gold only possible in the Star Wars galaxy). With a giant galaxy filled with billions of different terrains, planets, moons, etc., there are hundreds (perhaps thousands) of elements likely to exist in the Star Wars galaxy, not to mention isotopes, compounds, and other combinations.
So metals are obviously plentiful. This is good, because if you look at our periodic table, it's mostly composed of metals. This is how it appears to be in Star Wars as well, unsurprisingly. So, these would all hypothetically just be Star Wars equivalents of some of our metals.
But what about nonmetals? Well, we don't see a lot of Wookieepedia pages for nonmetals that don't already exist in real life. There are only around 3 real-world nonmetals that aren't present in Star Wars, and not very many explicit nonmetals listed on this Wiki, so if we use our past, possible technique of attempting to make sense of this, we could hypothetically match these remaining nonmetals with their unmatched Star Wars equivalents. If this wouldn't work, any that don't can be assumed not really elements, just isotopes or, more likely compounds.
I think something fun to go into would be beskar.
Mandalorian fans definitely know what this is. An extremely strong metal used in the armor of many Mandalorians. It's incredibly strong, able to deflect plasma, but lightweight, and shapable. It's known as 'Mandalorian iron,' but is it really iron? Iron could be tough enough in certain steel alloys, but iron is heavy. Mandalorians are able to fly using jetpacks while wearing full sets of thick armor.
To speculate what is is, first we look at the properties. Incredibly strong. Relatively lightweight.
Let us look at the image presented to us.
It's wavy. And dark grey. Two of these greatly fit the description of the metal tungsten. Tungsten is a very dark grey (almost black) metal, that is extremely strong. The other two fit the description of magnesium. Magnesium is wavy, and very lightweight. One of the lightest metals, actually.
If you look again at the beskar ingots, they are actually striped. Dark gray thick strips with lighter, thinner strips. Thus, I speculate beskar, for example, is a magnesium-tungsten alloy.
See, science can be fun.
The following is highly speculatory, and based on possibility. But like I always say, 'dwell on possibility.'
Biochemistry.
Biochemistry is the study of chemistry in a biological sense. Such as chemical reactions that make life work, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the element or compound life is based on, and other really amazing things. And yes, as with everything when it comes to my endeavors, it can be applied to Star Wars.
Biochemistry consists of three parts. Enzymes, metabolism, and overall structure (like biomolecules). We know enzymes both exist and are studied, with enzymers and enzyme extractors both existing. Metabolism is listed as a basic criteria for species of life on species page, along with other categories for life, which are all accurate. The same goes for the structural biology. We can assume it's studied and well known in the Star Wars universe. But, how does this differ between species?
Now, biochemistry is arguably, one of the most complicated, if not the most complicated science known to man. The only things I would maybe put over it in terms of complexity is quantum mechanics, and maybe neurology. So, you can imagine this could be difficult to really get into in a universe that obviously isn't focused around biochemistry.
Let's talk about something extremely interesting. Carbon.
Carbon is always a good conversation-starter because it's arguably the most important element. I could go on and on about the features, uses, and importance of Element 6, but I'm going to stick with biochemistry. The element itself is capable of forming thousands of different bonds and compounds essential to life and its existence. Extremely advanced compounds, like carbohydrates, proteins (e.g. made of amino acids), and lipids—all of which are essential to life—are all primarily composed of carbon. Nucleic acids as well, like DNA and RNA, are another example of substances necessary to life that contain carbon. I could go on and on explaining these, but to keep it Star Wars related, I will keep it simple. These four classifications of biomolecules are essential to all life, and act as building blocks for life as we know it. This is why all life is based on carbon, due to its versatility and abundance.
Or is it?
This, isn't exactly the case in the galaxy far, far away. Yes, most (a vast majority) of life was based on carbon, but there.. were others. Like I always say, in a galaxy with trillions of lifeforms and infinite possibilities, biodiversity is likely to be MASSIVE. Biochemistry is extremely complicated on Earth—but think how complicated it is in the Star Wars galaxy! First, here is what we know about our life.
Carbon-based, meaning all structural biochemistry and functions primarily use carbon.
Water, as a biochemical solvent. A solvent is a chemical compound that a solute is mixed in to make a solution.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA[1] (ribonucleic acid) to define genetics and traits.
That is three different compounds that define life as we on Earth currently know it. However, we can go beyond this. In Star Wars we know more than just carbon. For example, mynocks and exogorths are both based on silicon, rather than carbon. We don't know their solvent or genetic definitions, but due to living on asteroids the former is likely something like nitrogen or ammonia. Life like this has completely different rules! Of course there is still definitely a necessity to fit the criteria of life (growth, homeostasis, cells, response, metabolism, heredity, reproduction), but it's likely to go about these in completely different ways.
Unfortunately we don't know for sure what other elements (or other compounds, or other isotopes) other forms of life is based on in the Star Wars galaxy, but we can speculate. And lucky for us that's pretty much what this whole thing is about, because we don't have access to any detailed explanation of biochemistry and molecular biology from the Star Wars galaxy. The nerve of Lucasfilm.
Let's look at some more creatures.
First, this guy. A fun little shiny man from Canto Bight who has tentacular mouthparts. If he's carbon-based, his species had an interesting evolution, because he has shiny grey skin, bright blue eyes, a skull-like facial structure, mouth tentacles, and white, segmented hands. His humanoid-ness likely stems from convergent evolution, which means despite not being related, evolves in similar conditions to humans based on homeworld's environment. Now I admit this man's species looks rather droidlike, and I can put this into account. Maybe the body is a robot, and there is another unique tentacle species operating it. However based on outside appearance I am unable to guess what element, compound, or isotope he is based on. As you can tell, pure carbon is coal, and you're also based on carbon, and you can obviously tell you aren't similar looking to coal at all. But we can make wild guesses.
These guesses are based on the properties of the elements, compounds, or isotopes that the life is based on. Assuming he isn't a mechanical suit, we know he able to thrive in the environment with other carbon-based sentients. Silicon would likely require very cold temperatures, but the accepted texture is similar. So, perhaps he is silicon-carbide-based. This would work both environment-wise and property-wise.
Before I continue I just want to bring something up really quick. Any alien life is most likely going to be carbon based. After that, it's an infinite, layered, upside down triangle. Each layer is different elements/compounds/isotopes that are next-likely capable of supporting life. Very unlikely and exotic things would have to occur for things like this to evolve. However, this is the Star Wars galaxy—something that has been holding anomalies for eons. Why? Because of the Force. I will expand on this in another post. So just know what I say here is not o be applied to real life. It is certainly possible in real life, but very, very much not plausible. Most plausible in real life is carbon (same in Star Wars), after that: silicon/silicate/boron/boranes, and after that, everything else. :)
Because it is pure speculation and not much science can be applied, here are a few other species I believe could be based on another element, or compound.
Pink guy from Canto Bight. If not carbon-based, perhaps erbium carbonate (Er2(CO3)3) based, due to his pink coloring and luminosity. He also does not appear to be very humanoid, due to lacking arms and likely legs as well.
The Givin had bone-like skin, and skeleton-like features. This is outlandish and farfetched, but perhaps they're calcium based (or more likely calcium carbonate)! Hear me out. Bones are supported by calcium. Givins are extremely intelligent, and intelligence comes from the brain, which uses electrical nerves to function. Calcium carbonate is an ion, and therefore conducts electricity. Maybe the brain isn't even in the head. Maybe it's found around the body, strictly through powerful nerves. Their planet also contains little to no life as we know it, furthermore making them very unique. Plus, calcium/calcite are minerals, which Yag'Dhul is very plentiful of, being very volcanic. This is a very fantastic explanation, and likely only possible in the Star Wars galaxy.
The B'rknaa are definitely not purely carbon-based. They are said to be mineral based, live on a cold moon with little to no atmosphere, and is practically immortal. Most minerals, or [insert mineral here] silicate (or carbonate) is likely.
Another boney species. Same with the Givins, on these guys. In fact, in my personal theory, those two are related species.
An extremely exotic, space-borne, radioactive, interdimensional species which I go into depth in this post. I state they are perhaps flerovium-based, or a compound containing this. The reason for this is due to the group flerovium is located. Take a look back at the periodic table.
Look at element 6. That is carbon. It is not noted on this periodic table for some dumb reason, but the column carbon is located is known as Group 4A. These are elements capable of forming four bonds. This is why they are most likely to harbor life. Now look at the very bottom of the column. That is the first radioactive element in the periodic table located in 4A. That is why I speculate this.
I don't know if you see what I'm saying, but it's something. I honestly don't know how much sense I'm making in the first place, but I hope it makes some sense.
Going back to enzymes, metabolism, and even all the way back to when we were talking about regular old chemicals. With all these various elements and elemental possibilities, we have so many possibilities for so many enzymes, amino acids, proteins, etc. The possibilities are virtually endless.
I suppose this is the end. I kind of just explained things with no organization, but whatever. I love you all, and thank you for reading!
