More than three years in creation, Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, opens tomorrow, October 27, at the Museum of Science in Boston. The exhibit, developed by the museum in collaboration with Lucasfilm, explores the technologies in the Star Wars films, the science behind them, and the current research that just might make some of these technologies a part of this galaxy.

Where Science Meets Imagination is a must-see exhibit for Star Wars fans. Two major technological themes form the backbone of the exhibit: "Getting Around," focuses on hovering vehicles like Luke Skywalker's landspeeder, and the technology that might make such travel a reality in the real world; "Robots and People," explores how people relate to robots in Star Wars and in current daily living. Visitors to the exhibit can propel their own floating car along a magnetic track, try their hand at designing robots, and enter a large-scale model of a Jawa sandcrawler where they will hear C-3PO discuss the merits of R2-D2 with a real world robotics engineer.

Star Wars transportation and "droid-botics" may be the centerpieces of the exhibit, but the compelling reasons to attend do not stop there. Where Science Meets Imagination will feature an exhibit of costumes and props from all six movies of the Star Wars saga, plus something that fans have been wishing for since 1977: the opportunity to sit in a full-size replica of the Millennium Falcon cockpit and experience the jump to hyperspace. The jump in the Falcon is a multimedia presentation that explores this galaxy in a ride to the edge of the universe, plus the $5 fee includes a collectible pin.

Where Science Meets Imagination is rich with events throughout the run, including two that are coming up in early November:

Puppets to Pixels: The Digital Transformation of Yoda
November 4, 7:00 -- 9:30 p.m.
Rob Coleman, Animation and Development Director at Lucasfilm Animation, will discuss the technological process and innovations involved in digitally creating and animating Yoda, the beloved Jedi Master of the Star Wars saga. Tickets are $10, and advanced purchase is strongly recommended. Visit the Museum's website for details.

The Building of a Dream -- a droid presentation
November 5, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Jerry Greene, a member of the R2-D2 Builders' Club, will give three 15-minute talks about the process of building his fully-operational, remote-controlled, "movie-sized" droid, R2-D9. Costumed Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion, plus R2-D9 himself, will be available throughout the afternoon for photo opportunities. Presentations are at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. at the Science Live Stage. This presentation is included with Exhibit Hall admission.

Check back with starwars.com for schedules on more programs, which will be coming throughout the exhibit run.

Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination will be in Boston through April 30, 2006, and then is planned to move to the following locations:

• Science Museum Exhibit Collaborative (SMEC): COSI, Columbus, OH, June - August 2006
  
• Oregon Museum of Science & Industry, Portland, OR, October - December 2006
  
• California Science Center, Los Angeles, CA, February - April 2007
  
• The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA, June - August 2007
  
• Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL, September -- December 2007
  
• Fort Worth Museum of Science & History, Fort Worth, TX, February - April 2008
  
• The Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, June - October 2008

Admission to Where Science Meets Imagination is by timed ticket only, and includes a separate ticket for general Exhibit Hall admission that can be used on the same day or within six months of touring the exhibit. Fees are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors over 60, and $17 for children 3-11. Advance ticket reservations are recommended. For more information or to reserve tickets, go to the Museum's website or call (617) 723-2500.

Whether they are able to take in the exhibit or not, Star Wars fans will enjoy the National Geographic companion book, Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, edited by Museum of Science Exhibit Planner Ed Rodley and featuring an introduction by Anthony Daniels (C-3PO).