Kaitan is the third planet in the orbit of the star Arcturus, approximately 37 light-years from earth. It is classified as a paradise planet, with no seasons and all-around temperate climate, excluding ice caps at the poles. It is mostly terrestrial; however, many large lakes dot its surface. Kaitain has no known geological activity, though it has a magnetic field.
A single day on Kaitan is approximately 6 earth days, while a Kaitan year is around 12 earth years. This is a result of the planet’s distance from its star, which is part of the reason for its fair weather----the thick carbon dioxide atmosphere, coupled to the large star, would render the planetary heat unbearable were it any closer to its system’s center. To accommodate for the unusual day/night cycle, the citizenry’s windows are generally equipped with spinshards to simulate night during sleeping hours.
The planet is approximately 5/4 times the size of earth, and its atmosphere is mostly carbon dioxide, with significant Argon and Neon content. This has changed since human pioneers arrived, and the oxygen concentration is now stabilized at around 20%, the result of the mass planting of tropical and garden plants that thrive in the climate.
In stark contrast to the industrial planet of Hiram IX, Kaitan’s population is more devoted to artistic pursuits, perhaps related to the pleasant environment. For example, it is the homeworld of Kaede Akamatsu, the Ultimate Pianist who is due to board a Soviet no-ship.
Single-celled life once existed on Kaitan, as an abundance of fossils and massed structures can prove. However, they eventually died out when they metabolized most of the previous atmosphere into carbon dioxide and were unable to evolve photosynthesis as a result of the planet’s distance from its star.
Yes this is a Dune reference. I just thought it was a nice name, ok?
Okay, I am not even remotely a geologist or a planetologist, but doesn’t a magnetic field require a rotating, metallic core? Which would create geological activity, because you have liquid (not sure if entirely correct term) magma underneath a solid surface
my bad. I was referring to mantle geological activity. Kaitan’s core is liquid, but its mantle has been completely solid for a long, long time.
Ah, that is interesting! Also, do I understand correctly that the skies there are rather cloudy? What with the thick atmosphere and all?
well, the atmosphere is heavy, but not necessarily cloudy. Although now that the water concentration is being increased, there are clouds. However, Weather Control generally keeps them out of the way.
Tell me more about weather control, please
Well, it’s a system of satellites and space stations that monitor and control the weather. Try not to think too much about how exactly it would work, it’s a dune reference.
But I want to think too much on it, I’m finally in my element! If you don’t want to focus on it, though, fair
Ok, I never really thought about it, but let’s say that… the satellites can deflect light or focus it on specific regions, to modify heat patterns and by extension the weather.
Very nice