The Scientific Explanation of Why Starkiller Base's Planet Surface Didn't Freeze Instantly

Following the dramatic destruction of Starkiller Base, which absorbed the energy of a nearby star, many questions arise regarding the immediate freezing of the planet's surface. This article will delve into the scientific reasons behind the lack of immediate freezing, examining key factors such as residual heat, atmospheric effects, and geothermal activity.

Residual Heat: A Buffer Against Instant Freezing

Even after the nearby star was extinguished, the immediate freezing of the planetary surface could have been delayed due to residual heat. Starkiller Base likely retained some thermal energy from the star, continuing to radiate warmth for a period of time. This residual heat acted as a buffer, preventing the abrupt onset of freezing conditions. The process of radiating warmth would have effectively delayed the temperature drop, giving the planet an extended window before the surface froze.

Atmospheric Effects: An Insulator for the Planet

The presence of an atmosphere also played a crucial role in preventing immediate freezing. The planet's atmosphere could have insulated the surface, acting as a barrier that slowed down the rate at which heat escaped into space. Even without the star's energy, the atmosphere would have provided some degree of thermal retention, contributing to a more gradual cooling process. This atmospheric insulation would have been a significant factor in delaying the planet's freezing, ensuring that the surface remained habitable for a longer period.

Geothermal Activity: Heat From Deep Within the Planet

Geothermal activity, such as volcanic heat or hot springs, could have further contributed to maintaining a higher temperature on the planet's surface. These internal heat sources would have provided additional warmth, enhancing the planet's ability to resist freezing. Geothermal activity acts as a constant source of thermal energy, ensuring that the surface remains warmer than it would be in the absence of such internal heat. This internal heat could have continued to provide warmth, even as the star's energy was depleted.

The Time Frame and the Delayed Freezing Process

It is essential to consider the time frame of the events. The process of consuming the star and the subsequent freezing of the planet would not occur instantaneously. The absorption of stellar energy would lead to catastrophic changes, but the freezing process would not be immediate. It takes time for the temperature to drop significantly, and this delay is a crucial factor in understanding why the planet's surface did not freeze instantly.

A Partial Absorption of the Star's Energy

It is possible that Starkiller Base did not fully absorb the energy of the star. A star relies on nuclear fusion, and if the planet was too small to contain the entire stellar energy, some of it might have been left behind. This would have caused the star to only partially dim, rather than extinguishing completely. If the star died, it would go supernova, which was a scenario the planet could not withstand. Therefore, a partial absorption is a plausible explanation for the partial dimming of the star. Additionally, the remaining stellar energy might have been redirected to the planetary core, igniting it and initiating a process known as a pocket nova.

The Formation of a New Star

Under the influence of the remaining stellar energy, the planetary core would have ignited, creating a nuclear fusion reaction. This reaction, known as a pocket nova, would have caused the immense energy to expand, pushing away the mantle and crust of the planet. This expansion would have resulted in both the mantle and the crust being blown up, forming a new star. The energy released during this process would have been dramatic, causing the core to expand and form a new celestial body.

Here, we can see the intricate relationship between the core's instability, nuclear fusion, and the formation of a new star. The immense energy from the core's nuclear fusion causes the destruction of the crust and mantle, ultimately leading to the creation of a new star. This process is a key element in understanding the aftermath of Starkiller Base's destructive mechanism.

Understanding these factors provides a comprehensive explanation of why Starkiller Base's planet surface did not freeze immediately. The combination of residual heat, atmospheric effects, geothermal activity, and the gradual nature of the cooling process all contribute to a delayed freezing, making the planet's initial conditions more complex and intriguing.