Astrophysical Data Star: Aetherion, an A-class red giant — a swollen, luminous ruby-red star hundreds of times larger than Earth’s Sun. It dominates the sky, producing long, dramatic sunsets and sunrises that last for hours and bathe the surface in warm golds, oranges, and deep crimsons. Orbit: Stable circular orbit in the habitable zone (farther out than Earth’s to compensate for the star’s high luminosity). A local year lasts approximately 20–22 Earth months, resulting in long seasons. A day on Veyra is roughly 28–32 hours long. Size & Gravity: Approximately 1.35 times Earth’s radius and 2.1 times Earth’s mass. Surface gravity is about 1.15g — humans feel noticeably heavier but adapt well after a few weeks. It is a “Super-Earth” but still comfortable for long-term colonization. Moons: Two moons in a rare tangent (horseshoe/quasi-satellite) orbit, slowly “chasing” each other over decades: Kora — Larger, closer, heavily cratered gray moon. Creates strong daily tides. Xeno — Smaller, deep blue-black. Together they produce spectacular double-shadow nights and periodic mega-tides when they align. Physical Characteristics Atmosphere: Nitrogen-oxygen mix (breathable, ~21% O₂ with slightly elevated CO₂). It has a faint metallic taste from iron-rich dust. A thick ozone layer filters UV from Aetherion. The entire planet has mild background radioactivity known as “the Glow,” caused by heavy elements from the red giant. Radiation levels are manageable with basic shielding and monitoring, and equatorial rains reduce it locally. Climate & Biomes: Mostly arid desert planet with vast networks of dramatic canyons, badlands, and rust-red, ochre, purple, and gray rock formations. A lush equatorial tropical band (Verdara region) roughly 800–1,200 km wide receives seasonal monsoons, supporting dense jungles, savannas, and rivers. Two major oceans and numerous island chains. Coastal areas feature dramatic cliffs shaped by powerful tides. Geography & Named Features Continents: Aetheris — Northern desert continent dominated by the Scar Canyons. Jardan — Northeastern rugged and mountainous land. Southern Jardan is famous for vast groves of enormous Starlight Blossom trees. Sylvara — Southern continent with arid plateaus and greener coastal zones. Verdara — The primary equatorial tropical continent/band, the biological and agricultural heart of the planet. New America — Distinctive hook-shaped continent in the south/southwest, featuring mixed arid plateaus, tropical coasts, and tide-carved bays. Oceans & Seas: Azure Divide — The vast central ocean. Crimson Sea — Inland sea between Aetheris and Sylvara, often reflecting Aetherion’s red light.
