The planet Omoa is the second orbiting celestial body in the star system of Ekum, a class K orange dwarf. Omoa serves as the cradle of all known life, including humanoid beings and a diverse array of flora and fauna. Ekum itself has a mass approximately 80% that of Earth's Sun and has been in existence for an estimated 5.6 billion Earth years. The star's bright orange hue, characteristic of K-type stars, lends its distinct warm glow to the system, influencing the climate and life cycles on Omoa. As the central star,Ekum plays a vital role in sustaining the ecosystems and conditions that make life on Omoa possible.
Ekum
Ekum is a K1V spectral type star, classified as an orange dwarf. With an estimated age of 5.6 billion years, it is well into its main sequence phase, steadily fusing hydrogen into helium in its core. Ekum has a mass of approximately 0.81 times that of the Sun (M☉), and a radius of 0.845 R☉, making it slightly smaller than our Sun. Despite its smaller size, Ekum exhibits a luminosity of just 0.43 times that of the Sun (L☉), reflecting the lower energy output typical of K-type stars.
The surface temperature of Ekum is about 5,090 K, which gives the star its characteristic bright orange hue. Its density, at 1.3 times that of the Sun (D☉), indicates a more compact structure compared to larger stars. This relatively stable and cooler environment has allowed the planet Omoa, the second celestial body in orbit, to develop life and a diverse ecosystem under its gentle, long-lasting radiation.
Inner System
Mona
Mona is the innermost planet of the Ekum star system and the first of the "inner planets." Its close proximity to Ekum subjects it to intense solar radiation and gravitational forces, shaping the planet into a volatile and extreme environment. Mona is continuously in transit with Ekum, meaning it experiences constant exposure to the star's heat, which has led to its development as a lava planet.
Most of Mona’s surface is covered in vast seas of molten rock, with rivers of lava flowing across the landscape. However, there are regions on the planet where the extreme heat has not completely overtaken the surface, leaving isolated areas spared from the relentless flow of magma. Despite these cooler zones, the overall conditions remain harsh, with scorching temperatures and the omnipresence of lava making Mona one of the most inhospitable planets in the Ekum system. The intense heat and volcanic activity have given Mona its distinct appearance as a fiery, ever-changing world.
Omoa
Omoa is the second planet of the "inner planets" in the Ekum star system and the largest of its group. The planet is primarily covered by a vast ocean, with only a few landmasses that support terrestrial life. Omoa's size sets it apart, with a mass 1.8 times that of Earth and a radius 1.3 times larger. The planet’s atmosphere, slightly denser than Earth’s, exerts higher air pressure, and its composition—almost 36% oxygen—creates conditions that allow for the existence of exotic fauna and flora. Among the most striking of these life forms are giant arthropods, reminiscent of the massive creatures that roamed Earth during the Carboniferous period.
A year on Omoa is equivalent to approximately 232 Earth days, but with local Omoan days being around two hours longer than those on Earth, the solar calendar of Omoa divides the year into about 214 local days. This results in a nine-month cycle, with each month containing roughly 23 days. The planet’s unique atmosphere, combined with its longer days and higher oxygen content, fosters a rich, diverse ecosystem both on land and within its vast oceans.
Omoa is orbited by two moons, Alek and Joa, which influence the planet's tides, climate, and culture. Alek, the larger of the two, is tinted a sandy yellow and marked by a vast system of valleys and craters. Its strong gravitational pull creates powerful tidal forces, shaping Omoa’s ocean currents and coastal regions. Alek’s size and pale hue make it a prominent feature in the night sky and a symbol of stability in local mythology.
Joa, the smaller moon, is red-brown in color due to its iron-rich surface. It has fewer craters and orbits farther from Omoa, contributing less to the tides but still playing a subtle role in the planet’s natural rhythms. Culturally, Joa represents change and mystery, contrasting with Alek’s dominance. Together, these moons play a significant role in both the environmental and cultural life of Omoa.
Junu
Junu is the third planet of the "inner planets" in the Ekum star system, slightly smaller than Omoa. Predominantly a desert planet, Junu is known for its striking blue-green appearance, a result of its unique composition of metals and minerals that tint its vast sandy landscapes. This unusual coloration has earned it the nickname "the green planet" in many languages, despite its arid, inhospitable environment.
Though Junu lies just outside the habitable zone of the Ekum system, its potential for colonization has long intrigued scientists and space explorers. Advances in technology suggest that with the right infrastructure, colonies could be established on the planet, making it a target for future expansion. Junu's single moon, Momi, completes its distinctive image, casting long shadows across its unusual deserts and influencing the planet's minimal atmospheric activity. Despite its harsh conditions, Junu remains a subject of fascination due to its striking landscape and potential for human settlement.
Ipzi
Ipzi is the fourth and final planet of the "inner planets" in the Ekum star system. Unlike its warmer or more geologically active neighbors, Ipzi is characterized as an ice planet. Its surface is primarily covered by a thick mantle of ice, but it does not consist entirely of water. Beneath this icy crust lies a submerged ocean, which remains hidden from view but plays a crucial role in the planet's dynamics.
As the smallest of the inner planets, Ipzi’s compact size contributes to its distinct geological and thermal characteristics. The planet is known for its cryovolcanoes, which erupt not with molten rock, but with slushy mixtures of water, ammonia, and other volatile substances. These cryovolcanoes are similar to those found on Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, and suggest the presence of internal heat sources that drive the planet’s icy eruptions.
In addition to cryovolcanism, Ipzi may also experience hydrothermal activity beneath its ice crust. This activity could provide the necessary conditions for the submerged ocean to support life forms, though such life remains speculative. The interaction between the ice crust and the hidden ocean creates a dynamic environment, making Ipzi a subject of interest for scientists studying planetary ice processes and potential habitability in the outer reaches of the Ekum system.
Outer System
Midí
Midí is the first planet beyond the asteroid belt and qualifies as an "outer planet" in the Ekum star system. As a gas giant, Midí is notable for its substantial size and striking ring system, which is one of the most prominent in its celestial neighborhood. The planet's massive atmosphere is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, and its rings are composed of ice particles, dust, and rocky debris.
Among the numerous moons that orbit Midí, three stand out for their significance: Fäbíng, Albuno, and Mis. These moons can be compared to the well-known Galilean moons of Jupiter—Io, Europa, and Titan—due to their diverse and intriguing characteristics.
Fäbíng, the largest of the three, is a geologically active moon with frequent volcanic eruptions. Its surface is marked by extensive lava plains and is often compared to Io in terms of its volcanic activity. The intense geological processes on Fäbíng make it one of the most dynamic and fascinating moons in the system.
Albuno, similar in nature to Europa, is covered by a thick ice shell that encases a subsurface ocean. This ocean is believed to be in contact with the moon’s rocky mantle, potentially creating conditions suitable for life. Albuno's icy surface is crisscrossed with cracks and ridges, indicating significant tectonic activity beneath the ice.
Mis, the smallest of the three major moons, resembles Titan in its dense atmosphere and surface features. Mis has a thick layer of clouds and a hazy atmosphere, with surface conditions that are relatively unknown due to the dense atmospheric cover. The moon is thought to have a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and possibly even bodies of liquid on its surface.
Together, these moons contribute to Midí’s status as a captivating gas giant with a complex and varied system of satellites. Their distinct features and potential for further exploration make Midí and its major moons subjects of significant interest in the study of planetary systems.
A̋ning
A̋ning is the outermost planet in the Ekum star system, situated at the farthest distance from its star. As a sizable ice giant, Äning is notable for its vast, frigid atmosphere, though it is smaller in comparison to Midí. Its deep blue coloration, reminiscent of Neptune, is attributed to the presence of methane and other gases in its atmosphere, which absorb red light and reflect blue wavelengths.
A̋ning’s surface, though primarily composed of icy elements, is marked by dynamic weather patterns and strong winds. The planet’s atmosphere is characterized by high-speed winds and turbulent cloud formations, which contribute to its striking blue appearance. Despite its distance from Ekum, A̋ning’s size and atmospheric composition make it a prominent feature of the outer reaches of the star system. The planet’s icy mantle and distant location render it a significant point of interest for studies related to the outer planets and their unique characteristics.
Celestial neighborhood
(WIP)