Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?

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DiamondTiara
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TL;DR Summary: I wrote out a description of a fictional solar system and am looking to see what I would need to change / alter to make it more realistic

A while ago I have written a description for a fictional solar system and commissioned a visual artwork for it. This is a project for my own personal use, and I've always wanted to create something that could actually exist within fictional works.

I am looking for someone who knows a bit about orbital mechanics and stuff to help me with altering, or changing things in this description to be more scientifically plausible. I am not very well versed in orbital mechanics or mathematics. I am curious what orbital periods people would think these planets would have, knowing the setup of the twin suns - if the Stars themselves would be able to host a planetary description such as this. If there is something unrealistic in this setup, I want to know what it is and how it could be changed to be more realistic.

SwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.png


Do note - the Dwarf Planets in the Outer Asteroid Belt are not displayed in the graphic. Feel free to ask questions about this!

--

Shinespark and Valey are a binary pair of dimmer stars than our sun. Their combined luminosity is estimated to be roughly half that of our sun's. Valey is the smaller of the two, with the two stars being very close to each other. On the order of 0.01 AU. The two stars revolve around each other in a period of less than one Earth day.

This creates an eclipsing binary as seen from the perspective of the system itself. Both stars exhibit stability and are older than that of our Sun. However, the proximity of the two stars means their magnetic fields are closely interlinked and interact with each other consistently.

The two components do not have the same solar cycle period - in which the period of activity of Sunspots and solar flares increases in solar Maximum, and decreases in Solar Minimum. There are periods when both stars have their magnetic poles aligned, this creates a situation of relative stability. Then there are periods in which the magnetic fields of either star are opposite - this creates a situation of heightened solar activity that creates more Solar Wind and radiation. The effects of this become quite apparent on Halycon, the Earth-like world of this system.

Because of their relatively low mass, Shinespark and Valey both will have lifetimes that well exceed the lifespan of our sun. Shinespark is a K1V star, with a luminosity of 41%, while Valey is an M3V star with a luminosity of 0.016% of our Sun. This creates a situation in which the habitable zone for Earthly life is much closer to the two stars than that of our Sun, as well as creating a more compacted Inner Solar system.---

Ruby, the first planet in the system, is a fascinating and treacherous world with a unique set of characteristics. Similar to Venus in terms of its toxic atmosphere, Ruby possesses an atmosphere that is highly dangerous and inhospitable to life. The planet's atmospheric composition is predominantly carbon dioxide, accompanied by various trace gases that further contribute to its hostile environment. The atmospheric pressure on Ruby is an astonishing 122 times that of Earth, creating crushing conditions that make it extremely challenging to explore or land any probes on its surface.

Unlike Venus, Ruby has never experienced the presence of oceans in its past. One side of the planet is perpetually exposed to the heat and intense radiation from the binary stars, while the other side remains shrouded in eternal darkness. This stark contrast in conditions between the illuminated and dark sides of Ruby gives rise to dramatic temperature variations and extreme weather phenomena.

Despite the inhospitable environment, Ruby's atmosphere has a unique characteristic: high reflectivity. When viewed from space, the planet appears exceptionally bright due to the reflection of sunlight off its highly reflective atmosphere. This reflective quality adds a mesmerizing and ethereal glow to the planet.

Ruby's large size, approximately 4.5 times the mass of Earth, contributes to its overwhelming gravitational pull. This strong gravitational force, combined with the planet's proximity to the binary pair of stars, results in a challenging environment for exploration and colonization.

Overall, Ruby is a fascinating but perilous planet, characterized by its deadly atmosphere, extreme conditions, and stunning reflective appearance when observed from space.

---

Halycon is the Earth-like world of this system. It is roughly the same size and mass as the Earth, with a mass of 98% that of Earth's. Halycon's main difference from Earth lies in the color of its plant foliage - which has various dark greens to fall-like colors. Due to the closer proximity to its stars than Earth, it has a shorter year than on Earth.

Halycon is host to an array of continents and a large area of biodiversity with plants and animals that are similar to what is found on Earth. Halycon has an axial tilt of 25 degrees which produces Earthlike seasons, which go by at a faster rate due to the shorter orbital period as compared to Earth.

It has a single moon named Corsica.

---

Corsica's surface is marked by a variety of geological features. Impact craters, remnants of ancient asteroid collisions, can be found across its terrain, indicating a history of cosmic bombardment. Some of these craters are well-preserved, while others have been partially eroded or filled with regolith, the loose layer of dust and debris that covers much of the moon's surface.

One intriguing aspect of Corsica is the presence of reflective areas scattered on its surface. These white blotches stand out against the moon's dark gray backdrop and are composed of highly reflective materials. The exact nature and composition of these reflective areas remain a subject of scientific study and speculation, though there have been reports that they are remnants of ancient civilizations.

Corsica orbits Halycon at a relatively close distance, resulting in its substantial presence in the planet's sky. Due to its proximity, Corsica appears larger and more prominent than Earth's moon when viewed from Halycon. Its orbit is relatively stable, influenced by Halycon's gravitational pull, and its proximity contributes to shaping the planet's tides and influencing its climate.---

Garshova is a massive planet, larger than any of the terrestrial planets in this solar system. Its diameter is nearly equal to that of Jupiter. Like other gas giants, Garshova is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of other elements such as methane, ammonia, and water vapor. The planet's immense size contributes to its strong gravitational pull, influencing the orbits of its moons and other nearby celestial bodies.

The atmosphere of Garshova is thick and turbulent. It is characterized by swirling cloud formations and powerful storms, which are often visible as large-scale disturbances on the planet's surface. These storms can persist for long periods, generating massive vortices and thunderous lightning displays. The atmosphere of Garshova also contributes to its vibrant coloration, with different atmospheric gases and particles interacting to create a range of hues, including shades of yellow, orange, and brown.

Garshova boasts an extensive system of moons orbiting around it, each with its unique characteristics. The planet's ring system is composed of countless particles, ranging in size from tiny dust grains to larger chunks of ice. These rings are believed to be remnants of ancient moons or debris from previous collisions.Its major moons are Ironia, Meltdown, Maple, and Armo.

---

What sets Ironia apart from other moons is its predominant composition, consisting mainly of iron. Ironia's surface exhbits a range of geological features shaped by the presence of iron. These features could include iron-rich craters, iron-rich mountains or hills, and potentially even iron formations resembling veins or deposits. Because of the majority of Ironia's mass being consisted of Iron, it is host to a magnetic field that interacts with Garshova's magnetic field, creating a Flux Tube and electric current - similar to Io. The abundance of iron on Ironia could make it a valuable target for resource exploration. Iron is a crucial element for various industrial purposes, and the moon's high iron content could make it a potential source for future mining or extraction operations. Ironia is roughly half the mass of our Moon, but due to it's high density, it is smaller than it otherwise would be expected to be. ---

Similar to its counterpart Io in our solar system, Meltdown is renowned for its intense volcanic activity. The moon experiences frequent eruptions, with volcanic vents spewing lava and gases into its thin atmosphere. These volcanic events contribute to the moon's dynamic and ever-changing surface, continuously reshaping its terrain and creating new geological formations.

Meltdown volcanic activity is primarily driven by tidal heating caused by its proximity to Garshova and the other moons. The gravitational forces exerted by the gas giant generate tidal forces on Meltdown, causing its interior to experience frictional heating. This tidal heating results in the intense volcanic activity observed on the moon's surface, creating a landscape of fiery eruptions and volcanic features.

Meltdown's surface is a tapestry of geological wonders. In addition to the volcanic vents and lava plains, the moon features numerous calderas, and large volcanic craters formed by previous eruptions. These calderas often contain lakes or pools of molten lava, glowing with an otherworldly intensity. The moon's surface is also marked by extensive networks of fissures and cracks.

Meltdown has a thin atmosphere composed of gases released during volcanic eruptions. This atmosphere consists mainly of sulfur dioxide, with trace amounts of other gases. The thin atmosphere provides little protection from the intense radiation and contributes to the moon's harsh and inhospitable environment.

---

Maple has a thin atmosphere, similar to Mars, along with a similar mass to that of Mars. It has a reddish appearance, reminiscent of the iconic red planet itself. The atmosphere consists mainly of carbon dioxide, with trace amounts of nitrogen and other gases. The thin atmosphere provides minimal protection from solar radiation and contributes to the extreme temperatures experienced on the moon. Maple's climate is harsh and inhospitable, characterized by cold temperatures, low atmospheric pressure, and occasional dust storms.

While Maple's climate is generally inhospitable, there are regions on the moon that show signs of evidence of liquid water. Some areas contain subsurface water ice, shielded from harsh surface conditions. The presence of liquid water beneath the surface raises creates subsurface ecosystems and habitats for microbial life.

---

Armo has a remarkable history as a captured Earth-Mass planet. Long ago, a gravitational interaction between Garshova and Armo led to an intricate dance of celestial mechanics, resulting in Armo being drawn into Garshova's gravitational pull. Over time, Armo became trapped in a stable orbit around the gas giant, eventually settling into its current position as a moon.

Armo's atmosphere is primarily composed of ammonia, making it distinct from most other celestial bodies in the solar system. The high concentration of ammonia gives the moon a hazy appearance when viewed from afar. The atmosphere also contains trace amounts of other gases, such as methane and nitrogen, which contribute to the moon's unique chemical makeup.

Flora and Fauna: The flora of Armo consists of unique plant-like organisms that have evolved to metabolize and utilize ammonia as a solvent. These ammonia-based plants, often resembling colorful and intricate structures, play a crucial role in the moon's ecosystem. They absorb ammonia from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds, forming the base of the food chain.

Fauna on Armo has also adapted to the ammonia-rich environment. Animal-like creatures have evolved respiratory systems capable of extracting oxygen from the ammonia-rich atmosphere, while their metabolic processes incorporate ammonia into their biochemistry. These organisms exhibit a wide range of adaptations, such as specialized protective coatings on their skin or excretory systems designed to efficiently handle ammonia waste.

Hydrothermal Vents and Subsurface Life: Armo is known for its extensive network of hydrothermal vents located beneath its icy surface. These vents release heated water rich in minerals and nutrients, creating habitats for unique forms of subsurface life. Organisms dwelling near these vents have adapted to survive in extreme conditions, utilizing the energy and resources provided by the hydrothermal activity.

(In the Asteroid Belt)

---

Edgelwonk is similar in size and composition to Pluto, known as the "Custodian" of the Asteroidal belt. It has a relatively small diameter, making it smaller than most of the planets in this system. Edgelwonk has a rocky and icy surface, with craters, valleys, and plains scattered across its terrain. The planet's surface exhibits a variety of colors, ranging from pale white to shades of gray and reddish-brown. White and light grey is the most common.

Edgelwonk possesses a small and delicate ring system encircling the planet. The rings consist of fine particles, including dust, ice, and rocky debris, which orbit the planet in a thin disk-like formation. The rings are relatively faint and less extensive compared to the prominent rings of gas giants like Saturn. They add a touch of elegance and beauty to Edgelwonk's appearance, creating a mesmerizing display when viewed from the planet's surface or space.

The particles comprising Edgelwonk's ring system are primarily composed of water ice, along with traces of other volatile compounds and rocky material. It is speculated that the rings formed from the remnants of past collisions between Edgelwonk and other celestial bodies, or from the capture of passing debris by the planet's gravity.

---

Larceny - Icy Earth-Mass Planet: Larceny is an icy planet with a mass roughly equivalent to that of Earth. Its surface is predominantly covered in ice, giving it a pristine and reflective appearance. Unlike Earth, Larceny rotates on its side, meaning its rotational axis is tilted significantly relative to its orbital plane. This axial tilt results in temperature and seasons on the planet. It results in each hemisphere having days and nights that last half of its year.

Larceny possesses a fairly reflective ring system encircling the planet. The rings consist of a combination of icy particles and rocky debris, which orbit the planet in a thin and captivating disk-like formation. The reflective nature of the rings enhances the planet's beauty and provides stunning views when observed from the planet's surface or space.

Larceny has an atmosphere that is roughly 15% the pressure of Earth's atmosphere. This thin atmosphere contributes to the frigid conditions on the planet's surface.

---

Senescey is the largest moon orbiting Larceny, with a mass similar to that of Mercury. It is an intriguing celestial body with unique characteristics and potential for scientific exploration.

Senescey possesses an atmosphere that is similar to that of Triton, a moon of Neptune. This atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen, which dominates its atmospheric composition. The presence of nitrogen creates a distinct atmosphere and contributes to various atmospheric phenomena, such as hazes or occasional geysers.

It exhibits a diverse range of geological features, including craters, mountains, valleys, icy plains, and cryovolcanic activity. The presence of an atmosphere, although thin, has played a role in shaping the moon's surface through processes such as weathering or erosion.

Senescey has an atmosphere with approximately 60% of the atmospheric pressure of Earth. This higher pressure may provide a more hospitable environment for certain atmospheric processes and increase potential habitability on its surface. Human explorers would not need pressure suits when visiting this moon.

---

Nehaly is the third moon of Larceny, orbiting further out from the planet. It has a mass similar to that of Triton.

Nehaly's surface composition is diverse, consisting of a combination of rocky material, ice, and other volatile compounds. It exhibits a range of geological features, including craters, mountains, and valleys. Given its mass and interactions with Larceny, Nehaly may exhibit signs of geological activity, such as cryovolcanism, where the moon's icy surface erupts with water or other volatile materials, similar to what is observed on Triton. Scientists are interested in studying these geological processes to understand the moon's internal dynamics and potential for habitability.

Nehaly's proximity to Larceny results in gravitational interactions between the two bodies. These interactions lead to orbital resonances with other moons in the system.

---

Leitmotif blurs the line between a terrestrial planet and an ice giant. It has a similar appearance to Neptune, characterized by a cloud-banded atmosphere. However, what sets Leitmotif apart is the presence of deep worldwide hydrocarbon oceans hidden beneath its atmosphere. Leitmotif is 10 times the mass of Earth.

Leitmotif's atmosphere is rich in methane, ethane, and ammonia, giving it a distinct composition. The presence of these gases contributes to the planet's cloud bands and potentially creates dynamic weather patterns, including storms and atmospheric turbulence.

Beneath Leitmotif's atmosphere lies extensive hydrocarbon oceans that span the entire planet. These oceans are composed of liquids such as methane and ethane, forming a unique and otherworldly environment. The depths of these oceans would be shrouded in darkness, with the potential for fascinating geological features and exotic forms of life adapted to the hydrocarbon environment.---

Jamjars is one of the 56 moons orbiting Leitmotif. It resembles Saturn's inner moons, which are known for their high reflectivity and younger surfaces. Jamjars likely exhibits similar characteristics, with a young surface and high reflectivity. It is similar in appearance to that of Rhea.

--

Matryona is a hazy moon orbiting Leitmotif. It has a thick atmosphere that creates a veil of haze around the moon's surface. What sets Matryona apart is that its atmosphere is composed of non-carbon silicone-based compounds. This is a unique characteristic among known celestial bodies, as most atmospheres primarily consist of carbon-based compounds such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The presence of a silicone-based atmosphere makes Matryona a potential host for life.

Atmospheric pressure on Matryona is 35% that of Earth's.

---

White Chocolate: White Chocolate is another moon of Leitmotif. White Chocolate's surface exhibits occasional cracks that allow liquid water to flow out, creating a dynamic and potentially habitable environment. The presence of liquid water and a nitrogen atmosphere makes White Chocolate another potential host for life.

The nitrogen-rich atmosphere creates a hazy environment and potentially contributes to a complex atmospheric chemistry. The atmosphere of White Chocolate could contain trace amounts of other gases, such as methane or ethane, which may originate from geological or biological sources.

Atmospheric pressure on Matryona is 6 times that of Earth's.

---

Sosa is an ice-giant planet that is characterized by its icy composition, distinct cloud bands, and dynamic atmosphere. However, what sets Sosa apart is its violent weather patterns, which are a result of its significant axial tilt. Sosa is 13 times the mass of Earth.

Sosa's appearance is reminiscent of Neptune, with its pale blue coloration and beautiful cloud bands. The atmosphere of Sosa is composed of hydrogen, helium, and other trace gases. These gases contribute to the planet's vibrant and ever-changing weather patterns, which are intensified by its axial tilt.

Sosa experiences intense and violent weather phenomena due to its significant axial tilt. The tilt causes extreme variations in temperature and atmospheric conditions, leading to powerful storms, raging winds, and atmospheric disturbances. These weather events create a visually striking and dynamic planet, making Sosa an intriguing subject for atmospheric studies.

---

Snowdrop is one of the icy moons of Sosa. It is similar in characteristics to the moons of Neptune, such as Triton and Nereid. Snowdrop is of equal size to that of Pluto and does not possess an atmosphere. Its surface is predominantly composed of ice, possibly a combination of water ice, methane ice, and other volatile compounds.

---

Crystal is one of the 76 moons orbiting Sosa. It resembles Triton, a moon of Neptune, in appearance. Crystal exhibits a varied terrain, including icy plains, craters, and potentially even cryovolcanic features.

---

Papyrus is another icy moon orbiting Sosa. Like Snowdrop, it lacks an atmosphere and is smaller in size compared to Snowdrop. Papyrus shares similarities with Neptune's moons in terms of composition and surface characteristics. Its surface is primarily icy, potentially comprised of water ice, and other volatile substances. Papyrus is around the size of Charon, the largest moon of Pluto.

--

Unless is a small icy moon that orbits Sosa, similar to the other moons in terms of size and absence of an atmosphere. Its surface is icy and may consist of a mixture of different ices, including water ice. Unless is slightly larger than that of Charon.

---

Gerdo is the outermost major moon of Sosa. It has a distinct red appearance, which sets it apart from other moons in the system. The red coloration of Gerdo's surface may be due to the presence of certain minerals or organic compounds. Gerdo is the only major moon of Sosa to not be gravitationally rounded.

(Outer Dwarf Planets)

---

Discord and Gazelle are a pair of Pluto-mass worlds that form a true double dwarf planet system. Discord has a brownish appearance, while Gazelle exhibits a slightly reddish coloration. These worlds likely have rocky compositions with icy surfaces, similar to Pluto and other dwarf planets in our solar system.

---

Oblate and Football-Shaped World: Nanzanaya is a highly oblate planet, meaning its equatorial diameter is significantly larger than its polar diameter. It has a football-shaped appearance, similar to Haumea, another trans-Neptunian object. Nanzanaya has a relatively short day, completing one rotation every 3-and-a-half hours. This fast rotation may result in unique surface features and atmospheric dynamics. Nanzanaya also possesses a fairly large ring system, indicating a recent collision.

---

Aegis is a highly reflective white dwarf planet with a mass similar to that of Ceres, a dwarf planet located in the asteroid belt of our solar system. Its surface likely consists of a mixture of rock and ice. Aegis does not have any moons orbiting it, making it a solitary world. The high reflectivity of Aegis contributes to its striking appearance and potentially indicates a composition rich in ice or other highly reflective materials.

--

Indus is the largest of the dwarf planets in this planetary system. It has a mass roughly similar to Triton, a moon of Neptune, but has a dark appearance. The surface of the Indus likely consists of a mixture of rock and ice, which absorbs rather than reflects light. Indus has two smaller moons named Convergence and Inquirarch, which have sizes comparable to Nix and Hydra, two of Pluto's moons.

(Beyond the Outer Asteroid Belt)

---

Lilith is a brown dwarf star with about 7 times the mass of Jupiter, specifically classified as a Y dwarf. Brown dwarfs are often referred to as "failed stars" because they are not massive enough to sustain the nuclear fusion reactions that power regular stars. Lilith emits very little visible light and instead primarily radiates infrared radiation.

What makes Lilith unique is that it is roughly at room temperature, unlike most other brown dwarfs that are significantly hotter.

Lilith orbits around the binary star system Valey and Shinespark. The orbital period of Lilith, completing one orbit around Valey and Shinespark takes approximately 2,000 years.

Lilith has its asteroid belt, which orbits around it within its gravitational influence at about 0.5 AU. This asteroid belt consists of numerous rocky and icy bodies, similar to the asteroid belts found in other planetary systems. The presence of an asteroid belt suggests a dynamic environment in Lilith's vicinity, with the potential for collisions, impacts, and the formation of smaller objects. It is probable in Lilith's gravitational influence, there exist other planets that have not been discovered yet.

---

Wallace is the first known planet orbiting the Y dwarf star Lilith. As a frozen planet devoid of any atmosphere, Wallace's surface is likely covered in a layer of ice. This ice may consist of various volatile compounds, including water ice and other frozen substances. Wallace's lack of an atmosphere means that it experiences extreme cold. Wallace has no known moons or orbital companions.

---

Karma is the second planet in orbit around Lilith. Similar to Wallace, Karma is a frozen planet with no atmosphere. Its surface would be extremely cold, and the absence of a significant heat-trapping atmosphere causes Karma to experience similar conditions to Wallace. Karma's frozen landscape is likely composed of icy terrains, potentially including water ice and other frozen volatile compounds.

Karma also possesses a ring system, adding to its intriguing characteristics. The exact nature and composition of Karma's ring system would depend on the composition and distribution of the particles within it. The rings could consist of various icy particles, dust, and small rocks, similar to the ring systems found around gas giants like Saturn in our solar system. Not much is known about the rings of Karma.

The presence of a ring system around Karma suggests a complex history of satellite interactions, potential collisions, and the dynamics of smaller objects in the planet's vicinity.
 
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  • #2
(Disclaimer: I have only read the initial part of your long post).

I believe there is still consensus that a solar system (like ours) where the planet more or less follow a Titius-Bode law is a form of tell-tale indicator for a long-term stable solar system, i.e. a system where small perturbations of a planets orbit from bodies already in the system does not escalate into it or other major bodies getting ejected, but via some resonance effects "absorbs" the perturbation. Having two central bodies (stars) is of course a major difference with our solar system, but my guess would be it still would make sense to to refer to a power law for "in-story arguments or background knowledge" regarding classifying the system as stable.

Alternatively you can follow the long time-honored tradition of sci-fi and simply avoid providing enough details on your solar system (i.e. mass ratios, and orbital parameters) to deny anyone to actually calculate and pronounce your system as unstable.
 
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  • #3
I did not read these either.

I would take this one step back. Does this story really take place on 30 different planetary bodies? That's more than the number of countries in the EU. Pre-Brexit.

If you read a story that happened in so many places, what would you think?

When were you planning on telling your reader this? "Before I get into the story, first you need several pages of background."

I can't imagine your editor is OK with this. What does he/she say.
 
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  • #4
@Vanadium 50 @Filip Larsen

I do not have an editor. I wrote all of that myself.

This is not a Sci-Fi story or anything involving characters. It is intended to be a biographical overview over a system in a similar manner to how one would have a Wikipedia page on our solar system with all information contained. If anything, it's more a personal work for myself.

This system is inspired by this - http://www.worlddreambank.org/L/LIBSOLAR.HTM.

I am mainly looking to avoid common tropes when it comes to Sci-Fi. I want to have such information, if only for myself to say that what I created could actually exist.
 
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  • #5
DiamondTiara said:
It is intended to be a biographical overview over a system in a similar manner to how one would have a Wikipedia page on our solar system with all information contained.
I didn't read it either past the first couple of paragraphs, but I do have a question (sorry if the answer would be obvious if I read your whole post). It seems like you are building a solar system with multiple inhabited worlds, but can you really have that many worlds in the Goldilocks Zone at the same time? That seems like it would be a pretty unstable system...
 
  • #6
@berkeman

The only one in the habitable zone for Earthly life is Halycon. The others are not in the habitable zone, and are located further out beyond it.
 
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  • #7
Well, I read through about half the post and didn't see any egregious errors.
 
  • #8
Vanadium 50 said:
I did not read these either.

I would take this one step back. Does this story really take place on 30 different planetary bodies? That's more than the number of countries in the EU. Pre-Brexit.
Too much for 'no book', indeed.

DiamondTiara said:
This is a project for my own personal use, and I've always wanted to create something that could actually exist within fictional works.
Frameworks this big and detailed do exists, but usually they start as something lot smaller and grown big only once the initial stories established the new 'universe' and new stories pops up.

What kind of stories would you like to tell in your universe?
 
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  • #9
Drakkith said:
Well, I read through about half the post and didn't see any egregious errors.
I would be curious if there is any suggestions you would like to make for what could be improved to be more realistic?

Rive said:
Too much for 'no book', indeed.Frameworks this big and detailed do exists, but usually they start as something lot smaller and grown big only once the initial stories established the new 'universe' and new stories pops up.

What kind of stories would you like to tell in your universe?
I won't think about stories or any kind of Sci-Fi setting for this, at least until I have it down that this setting I have described is realistic. I am not looking to tell some kind of story through this setting at this current time. It is something I will think about later on.
 
  • #10
DiamondTiara said:
I would be curious if there is any suggestions you would like to make for what could be improved to be more realistic?
Nothing that I can think of. It seems realistic enough to me.
 
  • #11
Drakkith said:
Nothing that I can think of. It seems realistic enough to me.
Since Halycon is in the habitable zone, and with the two suns - how would that look roughly seen from Halycon? With how close the two stars are, would they have an hourglass/peanut shape?
 
  • #12
WRT rings: My understanding is that they are currently considered kind of ephemeral on planetary time scales. They either need a continuing source of material or they will go away.

WRT habitable zones: There is the classical habital zone around the sun based certain temerature ranges. There a also other habital zones. In the case of our solar system obits around Jupiter or Saturn where the interactions the moons have with the planet heat up the moon to a habitable degree.

In this way you could get several different habital zones/star.
 
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  • #13
@BillTre

What do you mean by "WRT"? I am unfamiliar with the term, my apologies.
 
  • #14
DiamondTiara said:
@BillTre

What do you mean by "WRT"? I am unfamiliar with the term, my apologies.
WRT = With Respect To ...
 
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  • #15
BillTre said:
WRT = With Respect To ...
Understood.

As for your reply, in the system I have outlined at what distance do you think the Habitable Zone would be?
 
  • #16
DiamondTiara said:
As for your reply, in the system I have outlined at what distance do you think the Habitable Zone would be?
Don't know.
Would vary depending on how things are set-up out there.
Many variables.
 
  • #17
BillTre said:
Don't know.
Would vary depending on how things are set-up out there.
Many variables.

Do you have any ideas how a potential setup would be?
 
  • #18
DiamondTiara said:
Do you have any ideas how a potential setup would be?
You want "fictional egg in your fictional beer?!" It's your universe, exercise your prerogatives.
 
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  • #19
Such a solar system would have a great deal of variation in solar energy on each planet as one sun alternatively occludes the other or not. At first I thought there wouldn't be a habitable zone as far as we see it, but on second thought it would work since the orbital period of the two suns is quite short. Then the heat held by a planet evens things out. You might get a winter-spring-summer-fall cycle every week or so. If the two suns are of significantly different brightness it gets a little more complicated.

I don't know what orbital period. I found a period calculator online but couldn't figure out how to enter numbers into it. It depends on the masses of the suns.

With the suns hat close together you have to check whether one is going to absorb the other. Maybe they have to be white dwarfs or something.
 
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  • #20
@Bystander

Well, I'm just curious to see what other people's thoughts are on such a set up.

@Hornbein

Shinespark is a K1V star with 86% the mass of the Sun, while Valey is an M3V Star with 36% the mass of our sun. Shinespark has luminosity of 41%, while Valey has a luminosity of 0.016% of our Sun. So yes, significant differences in brightness.

As for the two stars absorbing each other, that I don't know. Another concern I had was whether or not with the two stars being that close to each other, if that would generate massive flares and solar wind that would render the system uninhabitable.

Originally I had a setup in mind for this system being around a Red Dwarf star, with Halycon as the main Earth-like planet being tidally locked, but having a slightly eccentric orbit to where it's sun wouldn't be locked into one place in the sky, in a manner like this. But then I thought of the two-star setup as you see it now, the best that I could.

http://www.worlddreambank.org/L/LIB.HTM

LIB1SUNO.jpeg
 
  • #21
It appears that you have the plane in which the two stars orbit one another [I'll call it the "star plane"]perpendicular to the ecliptic, the plane in which the planets orbit the stars. Nobody knows how binary stars form so I guess that's possible. Then the planets will at some point in their orbits be passing through the star plane and the stars will occlude one another.

Am I correct in thinking that the diagram is for a different scenario?
 
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  • #22
@Hornbein

The planets in this system orbit along the equator of the binary stars, so the stars will constantly be occluding one another seen from the point of view of the planets.

The diagram shown is an example of another potential setup I had in mind, it's not mine, just a representation of another possible outcome I may go for, if the two-star setup isn't realistically habitable.
 
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