CHART REPORT 9.7A SHARD SERIAL #11243
Pioneer: Confluence Charting Orbital Observatories // Discovery Date: 2791.01.24
Overview
Asteria is a habitable terrestrial planet located within the Everglow system, located 940 light years away from the Empyreon system, and 1043 light years from Sol, discovered by the CONFLUENCE CHARTING ORBITAL OBSERVATORIES in 2722. As the third planet from Everglow, it orbits at a distance of 0.80 AU, completing a year in 260.2 Earth days. It has a diameter of 14,381 km and a mass 1.4 times that of Earth, making Asteria only slightly larger and denser than our home planet. Its surface gravity is 1.1 times Earth's, making it suitable for long-term human habitation with minor physiological adaptations.
It was first colonized in 2810, and since then, Asteria has become the most important planet in the Everglow system, serving as a hub for scientific research, interstellar exploration, trade, as well as defense in its sector. It is the site of major CCOO facilities, including installations dedicated to studying the planet's unique biosphere, the six Asterian moons, the other celestial objects in Everglow and nearby systems, and the ancient ruins left behind by the extinct Xaltheran civilization.
Surface Environment & Atmosphere
Asteria's surface is dominated by hilly regions, occasional mountain peaks, and expansive plains of subtly purple vegetation. Its flora is well-adapted to the planet's high average temperatures of 40°C and slightly higher gravity. The hydrosphere covers 41% of the planet, consisting of deep oceans, sprawling seas, and smaller freshwater lakes. The deepest point, the Abyssal Scar Trench, plunges over 10 km below sea level.
The breathable atmosphere, which is composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen, has a distinctive violet coloration due to trace amounts of stable pure iodine. This creates a special visual effect, with sunrises and sunsets marked by a breathtaking transition to deep blue. Cloud formations are mostly white, but clouds tinged faintly pink and azure have been observed across the sky, especially during the Asterian winters.
The atmosphere is breathable for humans, with a composition similar to the atmospheres of Earth and Vollaryn Prime, though slightly more humid. Its pressure is only 1.8% larger than Earth's and is mild enough for unassisted human habitation, though the heavy humidity and high temperatures can be taxing without proper acclimatization.
The most catching feature of Asteria's surface, however, is the presence of Xaltheran ruins. These ancient artificial structures date back to hundreds of millions of years and include towering spires that reach up to the clouds and vast networks of planet-wide underground tunnels. Nine City is built around nine of these spires, with its original name being "Nine Spires City".
Life & Biology
Asteria supports a complex and unconventional biosphere, with terrestrial species adapted to the planet's higher gravity and aquatic species thriving in its mineral-rich oceans. The most advanced extensively-studied native lifeforms are primate-like creatures with intelligence comparable to Earth's dolphins, exhibiting a complex form of social behaviors and simple tool usage. The oceans remain largely unstudied and unexplored, but from what has been discovered, they appear to be teeming with life, much of which is bioluminescent.
As of 2865, less than 30% of all Asterian lifeforms have been studied extensively. Lack of funding and proper equipment are considered the primary setbacks on progress to fix this issue.
Given the unpredictable nature of Asterian lifeforms, it is strongly advised not to venture into the wilderness without sufficient equipment and guides. Seek a trained professional on further assistance or avoid traveling outside the safety of city limits altogether.
Asteria's Moons
The combined gravitational forces of Asteria's six moons create powerful and dangerous tidal effects. During certain alignments, tidal surges can reshape entire coastlines. All residents must tune to the local SECTOR MONITORING DIVISION for alerts.
1. Glebafracta
The smallest moon, marked by surface cracks from tidal forces. Geologically very active.
2. Asparagus
The largest moon. Its gravity stabilizes Asteria's axial tilt and mild seasons.
3. Cleftglow
Known for its polar crystalline formations, making it very reflective in the night sky.
4. Voldemort
The brightest moon, covered in smooth reflective ice with a thin detectable atmosphere.
5. Aetheria
The source of Asteria's faint outer dust ring, caused by active subsurface geysers ejecting water ice.
6. Torvus
The darkest and most heavily cratered moon, its surface is scarred by countless impact events.
Human Presence
Asteria is home to over 130 million human colonists as of 2865, with its population growing rapidly since the establishment of Nine City in 2810, on the northern-hemispheric continent Contrition. The planet has a strategic location, abundant resources, and Xaltheran ruins, which have made it a focal point for scientific and economic activity in the Everglow system. Nine City serves as the planet's cultural and administrative hub. There exists many other major settlements, like the city of Vopniuj on the continent of Identation. There also exists numerous specially-engineered coastal cities, like Farkreth, and approximately 65 inland research outposts.
"Asteria is the beating heart of human expansion in the Outer Rims."
- Layla Fath, Former Director of Outer Rim Colonization (2788-2847)
