In full force: Lecture on Star Wars set at Western Nevada College

May the force be with you while attending a “Star Wars Retrospective” lecture on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Western Nevada College’s Jack C. Davis Observatory on the Carson City campus.

The public is invited to Mike Thomas’ free lecture that summarizes the previous six films and provides attendees with a better understanding of the storyline in advance of the release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

“I enjoy the ‘Star Wars’ movies, but I wouldn’t be characterized as a superfan in the style that ‘Trekkies’ are for ‘Star Trek,’” said Thomas, a professional lecturer. “Knowing that there are many fans of ‘Star Wars’ who visit the Observatory, and that the movie is being released on Dec. 18, the need to clarify the story seemed a no-brainer.”

Attendees are advised to arrive early since there’s limited seating capacity in the Observatory. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 6:30 lecture.

Given three prequels were released following the original trilogy of films created by George Lucas, many viewers are probably confused by some parts of the plot, while others don’t yet have answers to some of the untold mysteries of the series.

“I think that only the hardcore fans know what’s going on,” Thomas said. “In fact, I have learned a lot during my research of the many plot lines. Countless things have been added to the story since the first movie: ‘Episode IV: A New Hope,’ was released in May 1977. People should understand that this will be an overview of the previous six movies, and I will not get into too much minutia or trivia.”

Is the story’s horde of characters difficult to keep straight? Thomas will clarify the roles of Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, R2-D2, C-3PO, Jabba the Hutt, Darth Maul, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, Boba Fett and Jar Jar Binks in the previous six episodes.

Thomas is no stranger to the Observatory. He has been giving lectures there for the past nine years.

“I like to give lectures on timely topics, like my Pluto lecture, which I gave during the recent mission to it,” said Thomas, who delivers as many as 20 lectures per month regionally. “My lectures at the Observatory are part of my commitment as a member of the Astronomy Society.”

Thomas served as president of the Western Nevada Astronomical Society for seven years.

Throughout the year, the Observatory hosts Star Parties on Saturdays when skies aren’t overcast. They are free to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tours of the facility are provided, and weather permitting, telescope viewing is offered. The Observatory doesn’t open if it’s snowing and/or there’s snow on roadways.

The Observatory is located at 2699 Van Patten Drive in Carson City.