As fans around the globe prepare to celebrate Star Wars Day on May 4, 2025, the origins and significance of this unique day are garnering renewed interest. The phrase "May the 4th be with you" cleverly puns on the iconic line from the franchise, "May the Force be with you," making it a day of fun and festivities for enthusiasts of George Lucas's legendary saga.
Star Wars, which debuted in 1977, has evolved from a single film into one of the most lucrative franchises in cinematic history, grossing over $10 billion across its eleven films alone. This staggering figure does not even account for the myriad merchandise and additional media that have emerged from the series. The franchise continues to expand, captivating new generations of fans.
The celebration of Star Wars Day has its roots in a historical event dating back 44 years. Following the election of Margaret Thatcher as the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, her supporters published a congratulatory message in The London Evening News on May 4, stating, "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations." This clever play on words was the genesis of what would become a global celebration.
Though the phrase was used in 1979, it wasn't until around 2008 that fans began to actively celebrate May 4 as Star Wars Day. This cultural phenomenon has only grown since Disney acquired the franchise, leading to organized events, themed merchandise, and fan gatherings.
In addition to Star Wars Day, another significant date for fans is May 25, known as Geek Pride Day or Towel Day, which celebrates the release of the original Star Wars film, "A New Hope," in 1977, alongside honoring Douglas Adams, the author of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." On this day, fans often celebrate both the Star Wars legacy and the broader geek culture.
Celebrations on May 4 can take many forms. Fans often dress as their favorite characters, donning costumes or themed apparel, and rewatch the films in community gatherings. This year, Disney has planned events in shopping malls and collectible stores in São Paulo and other major Brazilian cities, where special discounts on Star Wars merchandise will be available.
Interestingly, 2025 also brings intriguing scientific developments that resonate with the Star Wars theme. A recent discovery has revealed a planet named 2M1510 (AB) b, which orbits two brown dwarfs at a 90-degree angle. This unique orbital pattern sets it apart from the previously discovered 16 planets in binary systems, which all orbit in the same plane as their stars.
Described in an article published in April 2025 in the journal Science Advances, this planet's unusual orbit presents a fascinating scenario for those who ponder the implications of living on a planet with two suns. Astronomer Amaury Triaud from the University of Birmingham notes that planets like 2M1510 (AB) b undergo a type of "seasonal modulation," where seasonal changes are influenced by the gravitational dance of the stars they orbit.
Triaud explains that the planet's polar orbit may soften extreme climate effects, but it still experiences significant variations in light and heat due to the constantly changing positions of its two stars. This creates a dynamic environment that could lead to unpredictable weather patterns.
However, the conditions on 2M1510 (AB) b may not be conducive to life as we know it. The presence of a third, more distant brown dwarf in the system complicates matters further. These stars are too cold to provide sufficient warmth for liquid water to exist, which is essential for life.
In contrast, the fictional planet Tatooine, featured prominently in the Star Wars universe, is depicted as a dry, desert-like world with two suns visible in the sky at the same time. This portrayal suggests a stable environment that is starkly different from the unpredictable conditions that would likely exist on 2M1510 (AB) b.
While Luke Skywalker may have found Tatooine dull, a real-life planet with two suns would present a host of challenges for its inhabitants. The combination of multiple stars can create an unstable environment, making life potentially more difficult.
As fans gear up to celebrate Star Wars Day this May 4, the blend of cinematic history and scientific discovery adds an extra layer of excitement to the occasion. Whether through community events, merchandise sales, or pondering the mysteries of the universe, the legacy of Star Wars continues to inspire and engage audiences worldwide.
From its humble beginnings to its status as a cultural phenomenon, Star Wars Day serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and imagination, bringing people together across generations and inviting them to explore the vastness of both the galaxy and the human experience.
