Xar'thul Tertius
Xar'thul Tertius
Introduction
"A frozen sentinel at the system's edge, Xar'thul Tertius stands as a relic of a time before Xar'thul’s fiery expansion, its icy surface etched with the scars of a tumultuous past."
Xar'thul Tertius, the outermost planet of the Xar'thul System, is a frigid ice giant that has weathered the system’s transformation under the immense radiation of the red giant Xar'thul. While less affected than its inner neighbors, Tertius still bears evidence of significant atmospheric loss and external heating, providing valuable insights into planetary survival in hostile stellar environments.
Overview
- Type: Ice giant.
- Location: Xar'thul System, Gam'Lok Cluster, Andarion Galaxy.
- Primary Star: Xar'thul (Red Giant).
- Status: Uninhabitable; limited orbital research activity.
Xar'thul Tertius is an enigmatic world whose atmospheric composition and frozen surface offer a window into the early history of the Xar'thul System. Its position at the system's periphery has largely spared it from the extreme effects of Xar'thul’s radiation, preserving its atmosphere and geological record.
Astrographical Characteristics
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Ice giant |
| Orbital Distance | 8 AU |
| Orbital Period | 32 Earth years |
| Rotation Period | 18 hours |
| Mass | 15 Earth masses |
| Atmosphere | Hydrogen, helium, methane |
| Temperature | 100–150 K |
Surface and Atmospheric Features
- Atmosphere:
- Dominated by hydrogen and helium, with significant amounts of methane that give the planet its bluish tint.
- The outer atmosphere shows evidence of minor loss due to the distant effects of Xar'thul’s stellar wind.
- Frozen Surface:
- Beneath the dense atmosphere lies a core of frozen water, ammonia, and methane.
- Crystalline ice layers form intricate patterns, shaped by ancient tidal forces and weak internal heat.
- Auroras:
- Though weaker than those on Xar'thul Secundus, Tertius’s magnetic field interacts with Xar'thul’s stellar wind to produce faint auroral displays at the poles.
Interior Composition
Xar'thul Tertius has a core composed of silicate rock and metal, surrounded by a dense mantle of water, ammonia, and methane ices. The inner core remains under immense pressure, potentially generating weak geothermal heat that prevents complete solidification of its mantle.
Geological Features
- Ice Mantle Plains:
- Vast, smooth expanses of methane and ammonia ice dominate the planet’s surface. These plains appear pristine, with minimal evidence of external impacts due to their distance from the system’s inner regions.
- Cryovolcanic Domes:
- Evidence of ancient cryovolcanism is present in the form of dome-shaped structures scattered across the surface. These formations likely erupted water, ammonia, and methane ices in the distant past, shaping the planet’s topography.
- Tidal Fracture Zones:
- Found along the equatorial regions, these zones are marked by jagged fissures and ridges formed by tidal interactions during the planet’s early history.
- Subsurface Ocean Hypothesis:
- Observations suggest that a liquid ocean may exist beneath the icy mantle, warmed by residual geothermal energy. This ocean could harbor unique chemical interactions, though no definitive evidence has been gathered.
Scientific Presence
Lumen researchers maintain a limited orbital presence around Xar'thul Tertius. The Tertius Observation Array serves as a base for remote sensing and atmospheric sampling missions.
Key Research Areas
- Atmospheric Retention Studying the planet’s ability to maintain a significant atmosphere despite the stellar wind from Xar'thul.
- Cryovolcanism Analyzing ancient cryovolcanic structures to understand the planet’s geological history and potential for subsurface activity.
- Subsurface Oceans Investigating the possibility of a liquid ocean beneath the icy surface and its implications for the planet’s evolution.
- Planetary Formation Comparing Xar'thul Tertius’s composition to other ice giants to refine models of ice giant formation in extreme stellar environments.
Cultural and Philosophical Significance
Xar'thul Tertius symbolizes endurance in the face of cosmic adversity. For the Lumens, it represents a contrast to Xar'thul Prime’s fiery destruction—a frozen archive of survival and preservation. The planet’s icy stillness is often depicted in Lumen art and literature as a reminder of the universe’s quieter, enduring mysteries.
Conclusion
Xar'thul Tertius offers an invaluable glimpse into the evolution of ice giants in extreme environments. Its preserved atmosphere, frozen surface, and potential subsurface ocean serve as a foundation for understanding planetary survival under the shadow of a dying star. As researchers continue to unlock its secrets, Tertius stands as both a monument to resilience and a beacon of discovery at the edge of the Xar'thul System.
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