IIRC, the Death Star was a secret to everyone outside of the Empire until Rogue One, which took place only a couple of days before it was blown up in A New Hope. In the Imperial meeting scene of A New Hope, Tarkin says “Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station,” which implies the threat of the Death Star is meant to be widely known after its public demonstration on Alderaan; public sentiment became unnecessary once they could hold a gun to the head of every possible dissident as well as to their world. I don’t see how this meme could take place after A New Hope since the destruction of both Alderaan and the Death Star would be widely known and verifiable by that point.

[–] 60d@lemmy.ca 25 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Fake news.

BREAKING: IMPERIAL DEATH STAR OBLITERATES ALDERAAN, BILLIONS PRESUMED DEAD

By John Patriot, Fox News Galactic Correspondent May 5, 2025

IMPERIAL CENTER — In a show of overwhelming force that has sent shockwaves throughout the galaxy, the Galactic Empire's new battle station, dubbed the "Death Star," has completely destroyed the peaceful planet of Alderaan. Imperial sources confirm the planet was reduced to asteroids in a matter of seconds.

Emperor Palpatine defended the military action as "necessary to maintain peace and security" across the galaxy, citing intelligence reports claiming Alderaan had become a hotbed for Rebel Alliance sympathizers.

"This was not a decision taken lightly," said Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin in an exclusive interview. "But when faced with growing terrorist threats from the so-called Rebel Alliance, we had no choice but to demonstrate the consequences of treason against the legitimate government of the galaxy."

Republican senators praised the decisive action, with Senator Orrin Maul (R-Dathomir) calling it "a much-needed response to the weak policies of previous administrations that allowed rebel insurgency to fester."

Critics on the left have decried the destruction as "disproportionate" and "an unprecedented humanitarian disaster," but military experts note that the demonstration of the Death Star's capabilities may prevent future conflicts by deterring other systems from harboring rebel elements.

Imperial military strategist Admiral Firmus Piett explained, "Sometimes you need to make an example. The destruction of one planet could save countless lives by preventing a prolonged galactic civil war."

The Death Star, described as a moon-sized battle station with unprecedented firepower, represents the pinnacle of Imperial military technology. Sources close to the project say it was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, a testament to Imperial efficiency.

Princess Leia Organa, a suspected Rebel sympathizer and Alderaan's representative in the Imperial Senate, was reportedly detained hours before the incident on charges of espionage and treason. Imperial authorities have confirmed she is being held for questioning regarding stolen technical data.

Markets responded positively to the news, with Imperial Defense contractors seeing stocks surge by as much as 15%. Economic analysts predict a boom in reconstruction and security sectors as the Empire continues its campaign to restore order.

The Emperor is expected to address the galaxy tomorrow from the Imperial Palace, where he will likely outline next steps in the ongoing effort to secure peace and stability for law-abiding citizens throughout Imperial space.

Fox News will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.

[–] MrNesser@lemmy.world 4 points 2 days ago

The ending omg that got me

[–] Kolanaki@pawb.social 4 points 2 days ago (1 children)

How the hell do you keep a space station the size of a small moon secret? Like, they couldn't see it coming as they moved toward Alderaan like up to several weeks from it reaching firing distance?

[–] Justdaveisfine@midwest.social 7 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Han Solo thought it was a moon up until he was in tractor beam distance. I'd imagine you wouldn't see it from hyperspace, but even if you did manage to get within visual distance of it, you'd probably assume it was an exoplanet or asteroid.

I guess the rebels on Alderaan should have been keeping an eye out for this thing but sensors in Star Wars seem to be a funky thing, since they have limited range and ships seem to bypass them all the time.

Edit: Totally forgot - The death star can enter hyperspace as shown in Rogue One. In may have only been in Alderaan's space for a little while.

[–] Kolanaki@pawb.social 5 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Edit: Totally forgot - The death star can enter hyperspace as shown in Rogue One. In may have only been in Alderaan's space for a little while.

Oh shit, yeah. I forgot too. 🤣