Minerva Solar System
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|---|---|
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| Orbital Radius | 1.524 1.524 |
| Radius | N/A |
| Day Length | N/A |
| Atm. Pressure | N/A |
| Surface Temp | N/A |
| Surface Gravity | N/A |
| Mass | N/A |
| Satellites | Prosperina, Diana |
| Capital | N/A |
| Native Species | N/A |
| Population (Planetside) | 15.000 |
| Population (Space Stations) | 39 |
Minerva, the fourth planet from the Sun, is the outermost terrestrial world in our solar system. The surface of Minerva largely exhibits a lush, verdant landscape, tinged with a mixed hue from the iron-rich soils as well as purple-coated bacteria, earning it the nickname "the Purple Planet." With a substantial radius, second only to Earth among the planets at 5,389.5 km (3,348.88 mi),
Minerva showcases a captivating duality in its terrain. The northern hemisphere offers sprawling, fertile plains, contrasting with the more elevated and rugged southern hemisphere, in which deserts tend to be present. Minerva has a relatively thick atmosphere, primarily composed of life-supporting carbon dioxide, while its skies are occupied by two moons, Prosperina and Diana. Geologically, Minerva is notable for its activity, reminiscent of Earth's Devonian era. Dust devils are prevalent along the southern landscape, while gentle Minervaquakes echo beneath the ground. Olympus Mons, a grand shield volcano, dominates the terrain, and Valles Marineris, one of the Solar System's most colossal canyons, carves its way through the terrain. The planet's eccentric orbit and axial tilt orchestrate seasonal transformations, embracing the polar ice caps with a blanket, and setting surface temperatures that range from 35 °C (95 °F) to −110 °C (−166 °F). A Minervan day, or sol, spans 24.5 hours, while a Minervan year, 1.88 Earth years, unfolds under the sun.
Minerva, like its ancient self, was born approximately 4.5 billion years ago. In the Noachian period, from about 4.1 to 3.7 billion years ago, the rejuvenated planet witnessed the scars of meteor impacts, the formation of valleys, the shaping touch of erosion, and the formation of vast oceans. The Hesperian era, from 3.7 to 3.2–2 billion years ago, was marked by a reawakening of volcanic activity and life-sustaining floods that carved colossal channels. The Amazonian period, which persists to this day, bears witness to an increase in winds. Human settlement on Minerva began with the foundation of the Nicktown settlement in 1987.
Natural history[]
Minerva, often referred to as the "Purple Planet," is the fourth planet from the Sun in our solar system. Minerva's history is divided into distinct periods, each characterized by unique geological and environmental conditions. Minerva, like the other planets in the solar system, formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago from the primordial solar nebula. During this time, it coalesced from dust and gas, gradually taking shape as a rocky terrestrial world. The Noachian period, one of the earliest chapters in Minervan history, saw the formation of the planet's surface features.
This era was marked by frequent meteorite impacts, which created craters and basins. It is during this time that Minerva potentially had liquid water oceans, and valley networks began to form, suggesting the presence of ancient river systems. The Hesperian period ushered in a dramatic change in Minervan geology. Volcanic activity became widespread, leading to the formation of immense shield volcanoes like Olympus Mons and extensive lava plains. Minerva also witnessed massive floods that carved out vast outflow channels, including the impressive Valles Marineris canyon system. These geological transformations were indicative of a dynamic and evolving planet. A pivotal moment in Minervan history occurred around 3.7 billion years ago when Minerva was impacted by a Pluto-sized dwarf planet named Demeter. This cataclysmic event had far-reaching consequences. The impact not only dramatically increased Minerva's mass and diameter but also altered its trajectory, bringing it into a more favorable orbit for sustaining a thicker atmosphere and liquid water.
Scott Carpenter setting foot on Minerva, 1966
In the aftermath of the impact, Minerva began its journey towards habitability. The increased mass led to a stronger gravitational pull, allowing the planet to retain a more substantial atmosphere, primarily composed of carbon dioxide. Over time, this atmosphere thickened and became capable of supporting life. Liquid water, essential for life as we know it, began to flow on the surface, nourishing the Minervan landscape. As the eons passed, Minerva underwent further transformations. The planet's axial tilt and orbital eccentricity caused pronounced seasonal variations, fostering a dynamic climate. The rejuvenated Minerva now experiences temperature swings between a range that permits the existence of liquid water, from −110 °C (−166 °F) to 35 °C (95 °F) on the surface. Today, Minerva stands as a rejuvenated and potentially habitable world, a testament to the enduring forces of cosmic evolution.
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