Luna
Earth's Terraformed Moon
Luna, also known as The Moon, is the only natural satellite of Earth and the fifth-largest moon in the Solar System. In the Lumen Universe, Luna has been extensively terraformed and colonized by the advanced Lumen civilization, transforming it into a vibrant, habitable world with a rich history and diverse culture.
Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Terrestrial |
| Radius | 1,737.4 km |
| Surface Area | 37.94 million km² |
| Mass | 7.342 × 10^22 kg |
| Density | 3.344 g/cm³ |
| Gravity | 1.62 m/s² (0.165 g) |
| Orbital Period | 27 days, 7 hours, 43 minutes, 11.5 seconds |
| Orbital Speed | 1.022 km/s |
| Orbit Inclination | 5.145° to the ecliptic |
| Eccentricity | 0.0549 |
| Average Distance from Earth | 384,400 km |
| Surface Temperature | -233 to 127 °C (post-terraforming: 15 to 30 °C) |
| Atmospheric Pressure | 0.3 to 1.0 atm (post-terraforming) |
Astronomical Characteristics
Luna is a terrestrial body, meaning it has a solid rocky surface. It is the second-densest moon in the Solar System after Io. The moon is thought to have formed about 4.5 billion years ago, not long after Earth, from the debris left over after a Mars-sized object (called Theia) collided with the proto-Earth.
Orbit and Rotation
Luna orbits Earth at an average distance of 384,400 km, completing a full orbit every 27.3 days. The moon is tidally locked to Earth, meaning it always shows the same face to Earth. As a result, its day (the time it takes to complete one rotation on its axis) is also 27.3 Earth days.
Surface Features
Luna's surface is characterized by highlands and maria (singular: mare). The highlands are older and more heavily cratered, while the maria are vast, relatively smooth plains formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Other notable features include mountains, valleys, and rilles (long, narrow depressions).
Some of the most prominent surface features include:
- Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility)
- Mare Serenitatis (Sea of Serenity)
- Montes Apenninus (Apennine Mountains)
- Tycho Crater
- Copernicus Crater
Terraforming and Colonization
The Lumen Civilization
The Lumen are an advanced, transhuman species that emerged from humanity through genetic engineering and technological integration. Originating on Earth in the Sol System around 7800 AD, the Lumens have expanded across the Solar System and beyond, establishing a vast, interstellar civilization.
Terraforming Process
The terraforming of Luna began in 7950 AD, shortly after the emergence of the Lumen civilization. The process involved the use of advanced technologies such as atmospheric seeding, artificial photosynthesis, and genetic engineering to create a stable atmosphere, climate, and biosphere capable of supporting life.
Key milestones in the terraforming process include:
- 7950 AD: Terraforming begins
- 8050 AD: Completion of the Mare Imbrium Terraforming Project
- 8100 AD: Completion of Luna's terraforming
Colonization and Settlement
As terraforming progressed, the Lumens established a network of settlements and infrastructure across Luna's surface. The first and largest of these is Armstrong City, founded in 7937 AD in the Mare Tranquillitatis Region.
Other major settlements include:
- Selene Colony: Located in the Montes Apenninus region, established 8000 AD
- New Tycho: A major city in the southern lunar highlands, founded 8200 AD
Lumen Society and Culture
Government and Politics
Luna is governed by the Lunar Confederation, a federal system established in 9000 AD. The Confederation is composed of various member states and cities, each with a degree of autonomy.
The central government, known as the Lumen Lunar Administration (LLA), is responsible for matters of global importance such as defense, foreign relations, and major infrastructure projects.
Economy and Industry
Luna's economy is driven by scientific research, advanced manufacturing, space-based services, and tourism. Major industries include:
- Helium-3 Mining: Luna's regolith is rich in helium-3, a valuable fusion fuel
- Space Tourism: Luna's unique terraformed landscapes and historic sites draw visitors from across the galaxy
- Research and Education: Luna is home to several prestigious universities and research institutions
Culture and Arts
Lumen culture on Luna is characterized by a reverence for scientific advancement, a spirit of exploration, and a deep appreciation for the arts. Notable cultural elements include:
- The Armstrong Festival: An annual celebration marking the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and the founding of Armstrong City
- Lunar Opera House: A world-renowned performance venue in Armstrong City, completed in 8100 AD
- Lunar Olympics: First held in 8400 AD, showcasing the athletic prowess of Lumens and other species
History
Pre-Terraforming Era
- Ancient Times: Luna is formed from the debris left over after a Mars-sized object collides with proto-Earth
- 1969 AD: Apollo 11 mission lands the first Humans on Luna
- 6000 AD: Humans establish the first off-world settlement, Helfspir, on Mars
- 7800 AD: Emergence of the Lumen civilization
Pioneering Age (7850-7900)
- 7850 AD: The Prometheus Expedition, the first Lumen mission to Helfspir, Mars
- 7920 AD: The disappearance of the Selene Expedition in the Montes Apenninus region
- 7937 AD: Founding of Armstrong City in the Mare Tranquillitatis
Terraforming Epoch (7900-8120)
- 7950 AD: Terraforming of Luna begins
- 7960 AD: Completion of the Armstrong Dome, protecting the growing city
- 8000 AD: Establishment of the Selene Colony in the Montes Apenninus
- 8100 AD: Completion of Luna's terraforming
Expansion Period (8120-9000)
- 8150 AD: Discovery of the mysterious Artifact of the Ancients in the Montes Apenninus
- 8200 AD: Founding of New Tycho in the southern lunar highlands
- 8350 AD: Discovery of the Ruins of Mare Imbrium, suggesting the presence of an ancient, pre-Lumen civilization
- 8500 AD: Luna becomes a major hub for interplanetary trade and commerce
Age of Nations (9000 AD - Present)
- 9000 AD: Formation of the Lunar Confederation, the first global lunar government
- 9100 AD: Establishment of the Lunar Space Elevator, facilitating easier access to space
- 9400-9600 AD: The First Lunar War between the Confederation and separatist factions
Mysteries and Unresolved Lore
Luna's history is rich with mysteries and unresolved lore that continue to intrigue Lumen scholars and adventurers. Some of the most enduring enigmas include:
- The Disappearance of the Selene Expedition (7920 AD): The fate of this early Lumen expedition remains unknown
- The Artifact of the Ancients (8150 AD): The origin and purpose of this mysterious object is still a matter of intense debate
- The Ruins of Mare Imbrium (8350 AD): These ancient structures hint at the existence of a pre-Lumen civilization on Luna
- The Lunar Anomaly (8750 AD): A strange signal emanating from the far side of Luna, believed by some to be a message from an alien intelligence
These mysteries, along with the many other tales and legends woven throughout Luna's history, contribute to the moon's enduring fascination and its central role in the epic story of the Lumen civilization.
See Also
- Lumen
- Sol System
- Armstrong City
- Terraforming in the Lumen Universe
- Lumen Civilization
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