Science and Star Wars Investigates Carbonite Freezing and Bacta Tanks in the Latest Episode

Do you want to learn something cool today? Lucasfilm and Disney released the third episode of their digital series Science and Star Wars, which explores how close real-world science has come to our favorite Star Wars technology. If you’ve already been watching, you know that this series takes a hands on approach to discovering the science from a galaxy far, far away.

The third episode of Science and Star Wars answers the question: Is being frozen in Carbonite a realistic medical feat? And are Bacta Tanks like the one Luke Skywalker was placed into to accelerate healing somewhere on the horizon? Watch as the host attempts to simulate a real-life Bacta tank using a chemical that can absorb water 200-300 times its own mass in water.

Although scientists can create artificial skin and accelerate bone healing with tiny bubbles filled with genetic material, modern medicine is limited in the ability to replicate the marvels of the Star Wars universe like Carbonite and Bacta Tanks.

Did you know that thing about bone healing bubbles? I sure didn’t!

Ready for some more science? Over the next seven episodes, Science and Star Wars will continue to explore science fantasy, science fact, and the gray area in between. You can watch the latest episodes every Tuesday on the official Star Wars Facebook page.