Why Han Solo Should Have Been a Jedi
The Insurmountable Odds Stacked Against Him (Making The Jump From Hyperspace To Penetrate Starkiller Base)
This is a more recent addition to the list and an ongoing testament to Han’s abilities as a pilot and potentially a force sensitive. While the idea of using hyperspace travel to penetrate Starkiller base’s defenses is an intriguing plot point, it’s arguably the most difficult task ever achieved within the “Star Wars” universe.
The reaction time at that speed is impossible. The record for the fastest recorded reaction time for humans currently stands at 101 milliseconds. Hyperspace travel in “Star Wars” has to be faster than the speed of light which is at 186,200 miles per second. Using Earth as a litmus, the shortest point from ground to outer space is 62 miles. This means to enter orbit for Starkiller base Han Solo’s reaction time would need to be around 0.002 nanoseconds or 0.000001 milliseconds to disengage from Hyperspace travel. This is far beyond the abilities of a normal human and more than exceeds the abilities of the average force user.
For reference, in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” Qui-Gon Jinn claims that Anakin Skywalker’s ability to race pods stems from the Force. Qui-Gon uses this as an explanation for Anakin’s natural piloting ability. This is in reference to piloting a vehicle that averages just around 800 miles per hour.
“You must have Jedi reflexes if you race pods.”
“He can see things before they happen. That’s why he appears to have such quick reflexes. It’s a Jedi trait.”
– Qui-Gon Jinn on Anakin podracing
To have a Master Jedi credit Anakin’s abilities to the Force we must also entertain the idea that Han Solo’s piloting abilities may be due to his “force sensitivity” as well. Especially since this task is far beyond the reach of an average human and well above the skills of podracing.
For reference:
- Millenium Falcon Max Speed (Before Light) – 1,050 km/h
- Average Podracer Max Speed – 700 km/h
- Anakin’s winning speed – 858 km/h
