Captain Julye reporting in from week 4 of my Journey Through Space! Have you chosen a planet to visit for this week’s challenge yet? I can’t wait to hear about it! I am preparing for my first planet visit by digging into the archives about Acheron, otherwise known as LV-426. My research will inform my visit, so I’ve learned lots. Here is what I’ve found:
Astronomical Information
Acheron is one of three known moons orbiting Calpamos in the Zeta-2 Reticuli system. Calpamos is a ringed gas giant, like Saturn. Acheron’s diameter at the equator is only 1,200 km, but it’s surface gravity is 0.86 that of Earth’s. This means the planet is composed of very dense materials. It’s rotational period (how long a day is) is roughly two hours. That’s so fast!
Geographic Information
The surface has evidence of volcanic activity, and there is ongoing volcanic movement in the moon’s core. This kind of geological structure could mean that the moon recently arrived in this planet’s orbit, smashing out a previous moon in order to earn it’s spot. (That’s what made the rings around Calpamos!)
Habitation History
Prior to colonization, the atmosphere was primordial, consisting of base elements like Nitrogen and Carbon. It is constantly beset by strong winds. There is no recorded indigenous flora or fauna, however, there is mention of xenomorph (alien) life! In 2157 LV-426 was selected for colonization. The atmosphere was processed to make the air breathable. The first colony, Hadley’s Hope, christened the moon “Acheron,” the name by which it is now known. Unfortunately, there was shortly an outbreak of xenomorphs that overran the new colonists. The colonists promptly evacuated and the xenomorphs returned to hibernation.
Notable Features
There are three notable features worth viewing on Acheron. The Ilium Range is a mountain range of harsh baalt crags and peaks. The Ilium Range is near the site of an abandoned spaceship that crashed long ago. The last feature worth visiting is the abandoned colony. Much of it is now rubble, having been weathered for many years by the elements.
Which planet will you explore on your journey through space?
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