Like me, you, and every other geek you know, #MeToo survivor and celebrated astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson was glued to a screen for the world premiere of the trailer to Star Wars: Episode IX last week. Sadly — and unlike most geeks — the nostalgia on display was not enough to completely shut off Tyson’s formidable brain.

The outspoken scientist was quick to point out how preposterous it is for a giant piece of the Death Star 2 to have survived its destruction following the events of Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.

“Even if a shard managed to survive, it would be incinerated upon re-entry to the atmosphere. But let’s take it one step further, let’s assume that massive radar section made it through the atmosphere of Endor, it would have caused an extinction-level event that wouldn’t leave much of a shoreline. Bye-bye, ewok nation.”

The “science-breaking butt-pull” from Episode IX that triggered Tyson

FSW quickly pointed out that Star Wars is not a science fiction series a la Star Trek, but space opera featuring laser swords and strong female warriors than can leap up and over oncoming TIE fighters. Tyson was unmoved and doubled down on his criticism.

“There is space opera and then there is completely lazy scriptwriting. Lucasfilm could have easily contacted me and invited me on set in order to get these kinds of things right. I see you, Naomi Ackie — holla at your science boy! I just want the kids who see these films to not only gain a sense of adventure and the hero’s journey, but how some of it could feasibly work in the real world. There’s nothing wrong with grounding the Hollywood magic with a tiny bit of science.”

This wouldn’t be the first time Tyson has played killjoy for Star Wars fans. The astrophysicist famously criticized The Force Awakens in 2015, finding issues with everything from BB-8 to Han Solo’s infamous claim to fame regarding the Millennium Falcon’s speed.

What do you think? Should Star Wars avoid turning a completely blind eye to science? Or is there a middle ground to be found, maybe a smaller piece of the Death Star 2 to satisfy adventure seekers and fact checkers alike? Let us know in the comments or in social media.

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