How Rain Occurred on Coruscant in 'Revenge of the Sith': Weather Control and Scientific Possibilities

In Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Coruscant is depicted as a planet entirely covered by an urban environment, often referred to as an urban jungle. Yet, many viewers and scholars have questioned how rain could occur in such a densely built setting. This article will explore the atmospheric conditions, weather control technologies, and other plausible scenarios that can explain the rain on Coruscant.

Atmospheric Conditions

Coruscant has an atmosphere capable of supporting weather patterns including precipitation. Just like on Earth, rain can occur in urban areas. This is due to the process of evapotranspiration and condensation, where water vapor in the air condenses into droplets and falls as rain. While the planet is covered in buildings, the atmosphere still retains the necessary components to generate rain.

Artificial Weather Control

The Galactic Republic and later the Empire might possess advanced technologies that influence weather patterns on Coruscant. These could include systems designed to manage rainfall for various purposes, ranging from agricultural needs to aesthetic reasons or environmental control. By utilizing these technologies, the authorities could ensure the maintenance of a semblance of natural weather, which would help to keep the planet habitable and appealing to its inhabitants.

The Cinematic Purpose

The rain in the film serves a dramatic purpose, enhancing the mood and atmosphere of the scenes. For example, during Anakin and Padmé's conversation, the rain adds an emotional weight to the dialogue and helps to set the tone for the intense and tragic events unfolding around them. This use of rain is a classic example of how weather can be used artistically in cinema to evoke deeper feelings and mood.

Technical Speculation

Even if we exclude the control network depicted in the European Union version of Star Wars, there would still need to be a sufficient source for evapotranspiration to the Coruscant atmosphere. Without visible oceans, polar ice, or recognizable swathes of surface plant life, it's reasonable to assume that any of these sources of water vapor would not be present on the surface.

However, there are scenarios that could still support rain without these surface sources:

Massive Geothermal Output: Coruscant's geothermal activity could produce a significant amount of heat, leading to the evaporation of water from subterranean reservoirs. Large Subterranean Water Supplies: The planet could have extensive subterranean water supplies, which, when heated by the geothermal activity, would form clouds and eventually fall as rain. Non-Photosynthetic Plant Life: The presence of plant life that does not require sunlight, such as certain types of fungi or underground moss, could drive evapotranspiration from these subterranean water supplies. This could generate enough water vapor to form a complete water cycle, including rain.

By considering these factors, we can form a more comprehensive understanding of how rain could have occurred on Coruscant in Revenge of the Sith.

In conclusion, while Coruscant is a massive city, it still has an atmosphere capable of producing rain. The possibility of advanced weather control technologies, as well as the presence of geothermal activity and subterranean water supplies, can provide plausible explanations for the rain in the film. This blend of natural and artificial elements creates a rich and intriguing tapestry of world-building that fans of Star Wars can appreciate on multiple levels.