Styx
| ||
| Orbital characteristics | ||
| Mass (Kg) | 2.68E+23 | |
| Radius (Km) | 1,925 | |
| Solar Day (h) | 48 | |
| Orbital Period (days) | 2 | |
| Semi-Major Axis (Km) | 356,801(km) | |
| Periapsis (AU) | .002 | |
| Apoapsis (AU) | .002 | |
| Albedo | 0 | |
| Surface Temperature (K) | 147 | |
| Surface Gravity (m/s^2) | 4.84 | |
| Axial Tile (degrees) | 2.4 | |
| Inclination (degrees) | 0 | |
| Orbital Speed (Km/s) | 6.34 | |
| Satellites | None | |
Styx is the first of the three major moons of the planet Thalassa.
North Polar Regions
The North Polar region of Styx is an area marked by cold, dark terrain. The region is enveloped in perpetual twilight due to its high latitude and the angle of sunlight, which only grazes the horizon. The surface is primarily composed of rocky plains interspersed with patches of frost and ice, creating a mottled appearance. These ice patches reflect the faint light, giving the region a dim, eerie glow. The terrain is rugged, with numerous deep fissures and craters resulting from the moon’s dynamic geological history. The cold temperatures and limited sunlight create a harsh environment where only the hardiest of organisms, if any, could survive.
Equatorial Regions
The Equatorial region of Styx is the most active and diverse part of the moon. The landscape features expansive plains of dark basalt rock, likely the result of ancient volcanic activity, interspersed with lighter, sandy areas. The equatorial zone is prone to frequent dust storms, which are driven by the temperature gradients between the hot day side and the cooler night side. These storms can obscure the surface and create dramatic, sweeping patterns across the plains. Occasional tectonic activity can result in minor quakes, further shaping the terrain and revealing new geological features.
Southern Polar Regions
The South Polar region of Styx experiences periodic sunlight, which can cause the ice to melt and refreeze, creating a cycle of ice formation and erosion. The landscape is a mixture of smooth, icy plains and jagged, rocky outcrops. The South Pole is also known for its subglacial lakes, kept liquid by geothermal heat from the moon's interior. These lakes are of significant interest to scientists as they may harbor microbial life, given the right conditions. The interplay of ice and geothermal activity in this region creates unique formations such as ice caves and channels carved by meltwater.
