Taygeta (EDO 99847574-937483)
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This article takes place in the 26th century of Distant Worlds.
(also known as Erra, Taigea, or the Blue Gem)
Taygeta is the third planet out of eight in orbit around the B-class blue subgiant star EDO 99847574-937483, located in Sector 1 of the Edelweiss Galaxy. Classified as a warm terra, it is orbited by seventeen moons and is noted for its shimmering surface hue, earning it the moniker Blue Gem.
Overview
Taygeta was first charted by the Midnight Observatory, located on the planet Wolf Totem. While the initial survey detected no signs of remarkable sights, the planet was later selected as the SnowStorm Union's third colony world, following the settlement of Diavolo.
The planet is currently home to two small, strategically positioned colonies collectively referred to as the Twins. These are connected by a long-range surface roa,—carefully leveled and maintained for EVA-capable SUVs. The first and more prominent of the two, Liberty, has grown in reputation and population, increasing from just 300 to over 1,000 inhabitants. Both settlements operate within sealed habitats, with climate-controlled environments maintained between 17°C and 20°C.
Taygeta lacks a breathable atmosphere, requiring constant EVA suits for any activity outside the colonies. Though not a major tourist destination, it attracts colonists and laborers seeking a relatively "warmer" climate than the frigid outposts of Wolf Totem.
Physical
Taygeta possesses a surface gravity of 1.717 g and an extreme axial tilt of 48 degrees, which contributes to its sharp seasonal variations. The planet completes one rotation every 12 hours and takes approximately 21 Earth years (or 7,665 local days) to complete a single orbit around its host star.
Despite its volatile axial tilt, Taygeta’s weather remains relatively stable, with only occasional hurricanes, tornadoes, and dust storms disrupting the surface. Its average global temperature is a sweltering 65°C, further necessitating protective gear for any extended exposure.
The planet's terrain is dominated by arid deserts, craggy mountain ranges, and dry basins. No oceans exist, though limited water is imported from a nearby ice giant, a gas planet with glacial rings that serves as a water harvesting location.
Moons
Taygeta is accompanied by seventeen natural satellites, three of which are large enough to form into spherical shapes, though all are airless and geologically inert. The remaining moons are irregular asteroid captures, likely drawn in by the planet's gravitational pull.
A communications void retransmitter has been installed on the closest of these asteroid-moons, serving as a relay hub for deep-space transmissions and orbital coordination.