AboutAlex Marquez Expertise I can answer just about anything from the Original Trilogy, the Zahn Book Trilogy, Tales of the Jedi Comic Book Series, and the Role Playing game. My knowledge on other subjects (such as the Prequel and other book series) is a bit more limited, but I do posses some knowledge though.
Experience A StarWars fan since childhood. Have read the original novels and the Zahn trilogy several times. And, the most important of all, a StarWars role player for more than 5 years.
Expert: Alex Marquez Date: 7/17/2007 Subject: LightSpeed
Question Hi Alex,
is hyperspace the same thing as lightspeed as described in the movie? Also in regards to lightspeed, in Return of the Jedi all the ships jump to lightspeed. How do they do that? I thought X-Wings and y-wing fighters don't have hyperdrive. or were they just somehow pulled by the larger ships? Strange question? also Although Einstein supposedly proved that it is impossible to create a ship that could achieve lightspeed, i'im curious to know what you think. Possible?
Answer Hi Michael! Sorry for the delay on the answer.
Although hyperspace and lightspeed are NOT exactly the same thing, they are very linked together. Hyperspace is sort of an alternate dimension, one for which lightspeed is needed to enter. Its as if you had to cross a lake; you could take a car and go around it; or you could take a boat and go through it (making the trip shorter). Water would be our metaphorical hyperspace, and the boat would be "lightspeed".
Regarding the X-wings and Y-wings, the DO have hyperdrives. Its tie fighters that don't (except for later TIE- Advanced models and some others); that's why they have to be carried through hyperspace by Star Destroyers and other ships.
Regarding what I think about lightspeed, I believe it is not posible. However, achieving close to lightspeed speed would alter the time-space relationship, making the traveler travel in shorter time (in regards to him); however, time would pass just the same to the rest of the people who aren't traveling at that time. But well, that has more to do with theory of relativity than to starwars!
I hope my answer was helpful. If you need for me to explain more regarding this or any other topic, please donīt hesitate to ask! And don't forget to rate me!
