Silenus
| ||
| Orbital characteristics | ||
| Mass (Kg) | 1.67E+21 | |
| Radius (Km) | 459 | |
| Solar Day (h) | 656 | |
| Orbital Period (days) | 802 | |
| Semi-Major Axis (Km) | 2.35E+06 | |
| Periapsis (AU) | 1.56 | |
| Apoapsis (AU) | 1.57 | |
| Albedo | .11 | |
| Surface Temperature (K) | 161 | |
| Surface Gravity (m/s^2) | .53 | |
| Axial Tile (degrees) | 0 | |
| Inclination (degrees) | 13.3 | |
| Orbital Speed (Km/s) | 21.2 | |
| Satellites | None | |
Named after the mentor and caretaker of the primary god of the Stripping Path and the king of satyrs, Silenus is the third of the moons of Thalassa.
North Polar Regions
The North Polar region of Silenus is an enigmatic and frigid expanse. This area is perpetually cloaked in darkness due to the moon's axial tilt, resulting in a realm of perpetual twilight. The surface is dominated by jagged ice formations and frost-covered rocky outcrops. These ice formations are sculpted by powerful winds and the occasional methane geyser that erupts from beneath the surface, driven by geothermal activity. The geysers deposit intricate frost patterns around their vents, adding to the eerie beauty of the region. Rare and ephemeral auroras, caused by interactions between Silenus's magnetic field and solar wind particles, cast a ghostly glow over the icy landscape, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene.
Equatorial Regions
The Equatorial region of Silenus is a stark contrast to its polar extremes, featuring a diverse and dynamic environment. This region receives the most sunlight, resulting in relatively milder temperatures that allow for a variety of geological formations. The landscape is characterized by expansive basalt plains, remnants of ancient volcanic activity, interspersed with regions of golden-hued dust and sand. One of the most striking features here is the Valles Silenii, a vast canyon system that winds its way across the equatorial zone. These deep gorges were carved by historic tectonic forces and are now home to seasonal dust storms that sculpt and reshape the terrain. Additionally, the equatorial region is dotted with peculiar mineral formations known as "whispering stones," which emit a faint, melodic hum when the wind passes over them, adding an otherworldly auditory experience to the visual spectacle.
Southern Polar Regions
The South Polar region of Silenus is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape dominated by extensive glacial activity. This area experiences cycles of partial melting and refreezing due to geothermal heat emanating from the moon's interior. The terrain features smooth, expansive ice fields interspersed with rugged rocky outcrops. The South Pole is particularly noted for its "ice floes," massive, flat icebergs that drift on subglacial lakes maintained by geothermal warmth. These ice floes collide and break apart, creating a constantly shifting and evolving environment. Below the surface, geothermal activity forms intricate networks of ice caves and subglacial channels, providing potential habitats for unique microbial life forms. The region's geothermal features also give rise to spectacular ice geysers, which periodically erupt, sending plumes of water vapor high into the frigid air.
