Terra Nova

Terra Nova, sometimes known as New Earth, is a temperate E-type world orbiting Pi3 Orionis 26 light years from Earth and was one of the first extrasolar colonies. It serves as the capital of the Republic of Cygnus-Orion.

Overview

Terra Nova is the fourth planet from the star Pi3 Orionis in the Orion constellation, and is orbited by one moon, Selene. The climate on Terra Nova is temperate, ranging from 7-15°C near the poles to 20-25°C along the equator, thanks to the stable axial tilt. Because of this, equatorial areas don't usually experience snow or other forms of extreme cold. However, snow does occur by the polar regions.

Many resorts and spas have been built across Terra Nova due to its climate. For the same reason, camping and hiking are also popular worldwide. Weather on this world is typically calm and predictable. Although, rain, lightning and thunderstorms aren't unheard of.

History and discovery

Prior to terraforming, Terra Nova was lifeless as the planet is currently too young for life to have naturally occurred yet. The planet was slightly colder as well having an average temperature of 7°C.

Terra Nova was discovered in 2235 by the ISEP-5 probe and was certainly a promising sight with its temperate climate and blue oceans. Terraforming eventually began in 2275 to clear the atmosphere of toxic gases and introduce oxygen as well as heat up the planet slightly. Terraforming was eventually completed and in 2496, mass colonisation of the planet began.

The first ever settlement, Touchdown, started off as a domed colony, soon blossoming into a thriving community once the dome was removed. Unfortunately however, when other settlements started to be built, Touchdown was abandoned overtime. As of the current year, Touchdown remains preserved by the local government.

Various aquatic life from Earth has been introduced to the planet's lifeless oceans in order to bring life to them and create a new ecosystem. Some examples of specimens include, plankton, whales, dolphins, coral and many different types of fish.

Population

As of 3021, Terra Nova has reached a staggering population of 6.3 billion, the most populated area being its capital, the city of Novopolis, which is a major tourist attraction, trading and business hub, famous for its constant bustling streets, thriving community, vibrant colours at night and many wonders to see and do.

There is a popular saying that goes "there is never a dull day on Terra Nova" which is quite widespread. Some even consider it to be better than Earth in terms of life.

Terra Nova is widely considered to be a staple of Humanity's golden age throughout the cosmos with it being one of the first major colonies. Even new cultures have sprang up on the surface, some of which have expanded to other colonies while others remain unique to Terra Nova.

Landing Day is a prime example of this, which takes place on December 8th to celebrate the landing of the first colonists on December 8th, 2263. Different cultures around Terra Nova celebrate it differently, with some merely commemorating the first colonists to others even performing carnivals/reenactments of the historical first landing.

The first colony, Touchdown, is still preserved to this day, making it a site of pilgrimage with tours regularly being conducted.

Continents/Major Islands

Initium Novum

The site the first colony landed on, meaning "New Beginning" in Latin, this continent was the first that Humans started to colonise, being hoke to the oldest settlements on the planet.

Outland

Gallery

The first colony ship in orbit, carrying the planet's first colonists.
Paradise Peak
Selene as seen from Paradise Peak
Selene at sunset
First image of Terra Nova taken by the ISEP-5 probe, prior to terraforming.
An enormous eclipse caused by Selene.
"Eye in the sky" taken from Selene eclipsing Terra Nova.
Selene shining in the night sky
Nova City, often considered to be Terra Nova's capital due to its utopian design and heavy influx of tourism.
Another area of Nova City, most buildings here are required to have plants on them in order to keep the air clean and healthy.