Delvoth
Planetary Overview
Delvoth is the seventh planet in the Eidolon Star System and the system’s innermost gas giant. Orbiting at a distance of 2.7 AU (403 million kilometers) from the central star, it occupies a transitional zone between the inner rocky planets and the outer ice giants. Delvoth has a radius of 62,000 kilometers and a mass of approximately 0.32 Jupiter masses, placing it within the class of gas giants often referred to as "Hot Saturns."
Delvoth is distinguished by its subdued coloration, pale atmospheric bands, and a diffuse but intricate ring system. Its atmosphere, internal structure, and satellite system present a wealth of comparative data for understanding mid-sized gas giants in solar systems around G-type stars.
Atmospheric Composition and Dynamics
The atmosphere of Delvoth is predominantly hydrogen (84%) and helium (14%), with minor components of methane, ammonia, and other trace gases. The atmospheric structure consists of stratified cloud layers, subtle banding, and slow-moving convective cells.
| Gas (Formula) | Percent |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen (H₂) | 84% |
| Helium (He) | 14% |
| Methane (CH₄) | 0.9% |
| Ammonia (NH₃) | 0.6% |
| Other | 0.5% |
Surface temperatures in the upper atmosphere average around 165 K. Winds reach speeds of up to 900 km/h along equatorial latitudes, and polar vortices develop seasonally but rarely reach the stability or scale seen in more massive gas giants.
Magnetic and Internal Characteristics
Delvoth possesses a moderate magnetic field, generated by rotation within its metallic hydrogen layer. The field is symmetrical and stable, contributing to the protection of its ring and moon system from high-energy particles. Internal heat generation is modest, suggesting a well-settled core and minimal differentiation.
Ring System
Delvoth features three primary rings:
Ring A – A narrow halo ring composed of silicate dust, extending from 81,000 to 90,000 kilometers above the cloud tops.
Ring B – The brightest and most defined, composed primarily of icy particles and reflective minerals, spanning 102,000 to 122,000 kilometers.
Ring C – A broad, diffuse outer veil extending from 140,000 to 178,000 kilometers, composed of small grains and micro-ice.
These rings are maintained in part by gravitational interactions with Delvoth's moons, particularly the shepherd moon Olyr.
Orbital and Gravitational Context
Delvoth orbits with an eccentricity of 0.018 and an inclination of just 0.9 degrees. It exerts a strong gravitational influence on surrounding space, shaping orbital resonances in the outer system and helping to stabilize moon orbits and ring particles. Its rapid rotation (9.7 hours) contributes to an equatorial bulge and atmospheric banding.
Moon System
Delvoth supports a complex system of six moons, each contributing uniquely to the planet’s gravitational and orbital dynamics:
Enzelin – A volcanically active supermoon (1,560 km radius) with extensive silicate lava flows.
Tyrith – An oceanic moon (1,420 km radius) with cryovolcanic activity and subsurface liquid water.
Grasphen – A heavily cratered rocky moon (960 km radius) with strong localized magnetic fields.
Olyr – A 410-kilometer ring shepherd that stabilizes Ring B and shows frequent seismic moonquakes.
Vaekra – A small icy moon (220 km radius) with high-albedo silica-rich frost surfaces.
Kormed – A likely captured irregular object (370 km radius) with a carbonaceous surface and inclined retrograde orbit.
Summary
Delvoth serves as a representative of mid-sized gas giants with subdued atmospheric activity and complex ring-moon systems. Its relatively stable atmosphere, modest internal heat, and diverse satellite collection offer valuable data for understanding gas giant evolution, ring dynamics, and the interactions between planetary magnetospheres and moon populations in mature planetary systems.
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