Star Wars Rogue One: 8 Things We Learned From New International Trailer

Believe it or not, but when the Empire destroyed Alderaan in A New Hope, it wasn't the first time this technological terror fired. Although not fully operational, the Death Star we see in Rogue One clearly packs a planetary, death dealing shot. The Death Star fans see in this film is only a small step away from being the battle station audiences are introduced to in the original movie.

For months now, fans have speculated on the destruction of the planet Jedha - a once sacred planet to the Jedi and now a haven for rebel groups that oppose the Empire. It's also believed Jedha is resource heavy with Kyber crystals, a resource required for the functionality of the Death Star super weapon.

As if there were any doubts, the new trailer clearly shows the firing of the Death Star on Jedha. The result isn't the instant destruction of the planet but an Armageddon style eruption which shreds it to pieces. The question that now needs to be asked is: why? Does the Empire destroy Jedha as a weapons test, it's sacred Jedi landscape, or the annihilation of the rebel cell on its surface? Either way, the destruction of Jedha will elevate events significantly.