Caelion
Planetary Overview
Caelion is the ninth planet in the Eidolon Star System and the system's outermost gas giant. Orbiting at a distance of 6.3 AU (943 million kilometers) from the central star, Caelion is classified as an exotic ice giant with a radius of 51,300 kilometers and a mass approximately 0.43 times that of Jupiter. It marks the outer edge of the major planetary domain and exhibits unusual atmospheric chemistry, magnetic phenomena, and moon interactions.
Caelion's defining characteristics include its high albedo, intense coloration, and atmospheric components not commonly found in more conventional gas giants. It glows faintly in ultraviolet and infrared bands, owing to photochemical and electrodynamic activity.
Atmospheric Composition and Phenomena
Caelion’s atmosphere is primarily hydrogen and neon, with significant fractions of methane, sulfur hexafluoride, acetylene, and exotic silanes. This composition creates iridescent, multichromatic cloud layers and enables uncommon meteorological behaviors.
| Gas (Formula) | Percent |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen (H₂) | 58% |
| Neon (Ne) | 23% |
| Methane (CH₄) | 10% |
| Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆) | 3.5% |
| Acetylene (C₂H₂) | 2.2% |
| Other (silanes, aerosols) | 3.3% |
The mean atmospheric temperature is 98 K. The upper cloud decks are composed of sulfurous crystals and hydrocarbon particulates suspended in layers of pressurized haze. Unique phenomena include the formation of mirror-like storm surfaces ("mirror storms") and periodic fluorescence events triggered by solar UV cycles.
Magnetic Field and Interior Structure
Caelion's magnetic field is powerful but erratic, tilted 34 degrees from the rotational axis and producing spiraled auroral bands far from the poles. Magnetic reconnection events and distorted field lines contribute to frequent ionospheric storms and deep atmospheric currents.
Internally, the planet likely possesses a superionic water-ammonia layer above a rocky-icy core. High internal pressures may generate novel crystalline phases and contribute to the planet's erratic magnetic properties.
Orbital and Gravitational Context
Caelion follows an orbit with eccentricity 0.023 and inclination of 2.6 degrees. Its gravitational reach extends deep into the outer system, influencing the inner edge of the Vennor Belt. Rotating once every 14.8 hours, the planet exhibits an equatorial bulge and layered atmospheric shearing.
Moon System
Caelion has four confirmed moons, each displaying unique physical or orbital traits:
Thessedra – A 1,340-kilometer icy moon with a crystalline, prism-like surface. Emits weak auroral light when passing through magnetic arcs.
Naulon – A 980-kilometer exotic core moon with a crust rich in fluorite and silicates. Venting produces levitating crystalline flakes.
Vorthen – A 600-kilometer retrograde captured object with a dense, radar-absorbent surface. Possibly interstellar in origin.
Ixisar – A 420-kilometer "ghost moon" visible only in specific spectral bands. Mass and orbital effects confirm its presence despite partial optical invisibility.
Summary
Caelion is an exceptional outer system gas giant defined by exotic chemistry, magnetic asymmetry, and optically unusual satellite interactions. It provides an opportunity to study non-traditional planetary atmospheres, irregular magnetospheres, and the strange interplay of light and matter in the outer reaches of a stellar system.
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