Starkiller Base: The Superweapon that Destroyed Hosnian Prime and the Hosnian System

The events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens introduced fans to the superweapon known as Starkiller Base, a devastating tool of the First Order capable of harnessing the energy of a star to obliterate entire planets. In this article, we delve into the planets that fell victim to Starkiller Base, focusing on the most significant target: Hosnian Prime, the capital planet of the New Republic.

The Destruction of Hosnian Prime

Starkiller Base, hidden within the icy planet Ilum, was the film's focal point for showcasing the sheer destructive power of this weapon. Its primary mission was to eliminate the Hosnian Prime, marking the capital of the New Republic. When Starkiller Base's weapon was fired, Hosnian Prime and its surrounding system were annihilated, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

The Significance of Hosnian Prime's Destruction

The destruction of Hosnian Prime was not just a catastrophic blow to the New Republic but also a potent demonstration of the First Order's capabilities. As the capital of the New Republic, Hosnian Prime housed the New Republic Senate and the New Republic fleet. The collapse of this system effectively crippled the New Republic's ability to function and made it evident that the threat posed by the First Order was immense.

Additional Planets in the Hosnian System

While Hosnian Prime was the primary target, the destruction extended to the entire Hosnian system. According to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: The Visual Dictionary, the destruction of the Hosnian system involved the obliteration of five planets in total. The complete destruction of the Hosnian system resulted in the collapse of Hosnian Prime, which eventually became the star known as "Solo," named in honor of Star Wars: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story protagonist Han Solo. The remaining four planets, Courtisilius, Raysho, and Cardota, also met a similar fate, contributing to the downfall of the New Republic.

The Context of Starkiller Base's Attack

The attack on the Hosnian system was a strategic move by the First Order, targeting the New Republic's political and military centers. The New Republic had chosen to decentralize its governance by moving between multiple political centers rather than designating a single capital. This decision aimed to decentralize power and prevent any single system from being a prime target for destruction. However, the First Order's advanced weaponry turned this strategy into a catastrophic failure.

While Coruscant, the former capital of the Galactic Republic and briefly the Empire, was not targeted during the attack, it further highlighted the strategic nature of Starkiller Base and the First Order's desire to destabilize the New Republic.

The Aftermath of Starkiller Base’s Attack

The destruction of the Hosnian system marked a pivotal turning point in the journey of Poe Dameron and Rey, who were determined to strike back against the oppressive rule of the First Order. The attack on Hosnian Prime and the Hosnian system not only destroyed a set of planets but also symbolized the broader conflict between the New Republic and the First Order for control of the galaxy.

Understanding the impact of Starkiller Base on Hosnian Prime and the Hosnian system provides insight into the intricate warfare and strategic elements presented in the Star Wars saga. The superweapon's devastating power and the subsequent political shifts within the New Republic have left an enduring legacy in the lore of this beloved franchise.