What are lights called in Star Wars?

In Star Wars, lights are generally referred to by their specific type or use. The most iconic and well-known lights are the lightsabers, but there are several other types of lights that appear throughout the franchise, each with its own specific function and context. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of lights in Star Wars:

1. Lightsaber

• Description: The most iconic light in Star Wars, a lightsaber is a weapon used by Jedi, Sith, and other Force-sensitive individuals. It consists of a hilt that projects a plasma blade powered by Kyber crystals. The color of the blade varies, typically blue or green for Jedi, red for Sith, and other colors for unique characters.

• Key Characteristics: The blade is capable of cutting, deflecting blaster bolts, and blocking other lightsabers. It is a symbol of the Jedi or Sith's connection to the Force.

• Examples:

  • Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber (later Luke Skywalker’s and Rey’s).
  • Darth Vader's lightsaber.
  • Darth Maul’s double-bladed lightsaber.

2. Blaster Lights

• Description: Blasters are firearms in Star Wars that shoot energy projectiles. The light emitted from a blaster bolt is often seen as a bright flash of energy, especially when it hits a surface or is deflected by a lightsaber.

• Key Characteristics: While not a "lightsaber," the blaster emits a bolt of energy that can be seen as a light source, especially in dark environments.

• Examples:

  • Han Solo’s blaster.
  • Stormtrooper blasters.

3. Force Light

• Description: Force Light is an extremely rare and powerful Force ability that involves generating intense bursts of light, often used by Jedi to repel dark side energy or entities. The light can be used as a means of purging darkness or combating dark side Force users, especially when facing entities like the Yuzhan Vong or dark side spirits.

• Key Characteristics: The light typically overwhelms dark side users, either harming or forcing them to retreat.

• Examples:

  • Jedi Master Jaden Korr in the Star Wars: Jedi Knight series uses Force Light to defeat the Sith.

4. Illumination Lights

• Description: In the Star Wars universe, various lights serve as basic illumination for ships, bases, or external environments. These include standard ship lights, flashlights, and ambient lights seen throughout the galaxy.

• Key Characteristics: These lights are used to light up areas during exploration, combat, or travel.

• Examples:

  • The glow of the interior of the Millennium Falcon.
  • The lights inside the Death Star.

5. Glow Rods

• Description: Glow rods are portable, handheld lighting devices commonly used by soldiers, explorers, and anyone needing portable light in dark environments. These are simple tools, often used in environments like caves, or during shipwrecks.

• Key Characteristics: They provide a soft, ambient light and are commonly used in places where a blaster or lightsaber would be too dangerous or impractical.

• Examples:

  • Often seen in novels like Star Wars: Dark Forces.

6. Emergency Lights

• Description: Emergency lights are seen on various ships and stations, often when systems are malfunctioning or in danger. These lights flash to indicate an emergency or alert situation, such as an impending attack, a hull breach, or power failure.

• Key Characteristics: They flash bright red or yellow to warn people or signal a need for evacuation or alertness.

• Examples:

  • Red emergency lights in the Galactic Republic ships or on Imperial Star Destroyers during battles.

7. Light Beacons

• Description: Light beacons are used for navigation, communication, or signaling in space or on planets. These lights serve as guiding beacons for ships, guiding them safely through hyperspace routes or marking locations of interest.

• Key Characteristics: Typically emit a constant beam of light or a series of signals that can be tracked by sensors or visual sight.

• Examples:

  • Beacon on the planet Ilum, guiding Jedi to the crystal caves.
  • Beacons on the planet Tatooine to mark the entry points for the Lars moisture farm.

8. Lights in the Jedi Temple

• Description: The Jedi Temple itself had many forms of lighting that were used for illumination, especially in training areas, the archives, or ceremonial halls. These lights were often symbolic and were designed to represent the order’s connection to the Force.

• Key Characteristics: The lighting in the Jedi Temple was designed to be calming, providing light without creating distractions for the Jedi meditators and students.

• Examples:

  • The calm and ambient lighting seen in the Jedi Council chambers.

9. Holocron Lights

• Description: Holocrons are repositories of knowledge used by the Jedi and Sith. When activated, they emit light from the central core or sides of the device, signaling the presence of stored knowledge.

• Key Characteristics: Holocrons can project light in forms of holograms or radiant energy, offering insight into past Jedi or Sith knowledge.

• Examples:

  • Jedi Holocrons from the archives or Sith Holocrons used for knowledge transfer and dark rituals.

10. Force Lighting

• Description: Force Lightning is a power used by Sith Lords, most notably Emperor Palpatine, to unleash bolts of electric energy from their hands. The energy crackles and emits light as it discharges, often as a sign of the Sith's anger and domination.

• Key Characteristics: The lightning is not only a destructive force but also visually powerful, illuminating areas with blue or purple light. It’s a dangerous and aggressive power that reflects the dark side of the Force.

• Examples:

  • Emperor Palpatine’s Force Lightning.
  • Count Dooku’s Force Lightning.

Conclusion

The lights in the Star Wars universe are vast and varied, ranging from the iconic and powerful lightsabers to more practical tools like blasters, glow rods, and emergency lights. Each type of light in Star Wars serves a specific purpose, whether it's illuminating dark areas, signaling distress, or reflecting the power and philosophy of its wielder. Lightsabers, however, remain the most iconic, representing the balance of the Force, the battle between Jedi and Sith, and the eternal struggle for peace and power in the galaxy.