DARPA, the research arm of the Pentagon that's responsible for inventing new and exciting technologies for our soldiers to use to kill people, is hard at work on making a famous sci-fi item a reality: Luke Skywalker's binoculars. Yes, code-named "Luke's Binoculars," the project aims to create a pair of specs that can see for miles, day or night.

Going beyond even what was in the movie, the binoculars would tap right into the brain, picking up sensed threats before the conscious mind had a chance to register them. How exactly that would work is beyond me, but it certainly sounds neat. No word yet on their progress on making light sabers or a death star, but we will, of course, keep you updated. — Adam Frucci

DARPA, via Danger Room