Thalassa (planet)
| ||
| Orbital characteristics | ||
| Mass (Kg) | 8.90E+26 | |
| Radius (Km) | 87,770 | |
| Solar Day (h) | 7.83 | |
| Orbital Period (days) | 2,541 | |
| Semi-Major Axis (Km) | 5.01E+08 | |
| Periapsis (AU) | 3.27 | |
| Apoapsis (AU) | 3.5 | |
| Albedo | 0 | |
| Surface Temperature (K) | 110 | |
| Surface Gravity (m/s^2) | 7.71 | |
| Axial Tile (degrees) | 37.6 | |
| Inclination (degrees) | .38 | |
| Orbital Speed (Km/s) | 15 | |
| Satellites | Styx, Faun, Silenus | |
Thalassa is the planet sixth closest to the star Atos, and the second - and largest - of the system's four gas giants. It is also, furthermore, characterized by its distinct golden rings. After Azos and Tarsica, Thalassa is the most prominent body in the Micrasian night sky.
North Polar Regions
The North Polar region of Thalassa is characterized by its tranquil yet icy atmosphere. Unlike the turbulent poles of many gas giants, Thalassa's North Pole is relatively calm, featuring slow-moving cloud formations composed mainly of methane and ammonia ices. The temperature in this region is exceedingly low, resulting in a serene, almost otherworldly landscape dominated by shimmering ice clouds. This calmness allows for a more stable and clear view of the polar region, with fewer storms and atmospheric disturbances. Occasional auroras, caused by the interaction of Thalassa's magnetic field with solar winds, add a mesmerizing touch to the polar skies.
Equatorial Regions
Thalassa's Equatorial region is a stark contrast to its poles, marked by vibrant bands of blue and white clouds. The equator is the warmest part of the planet, receiving the most direct sunlight. This region experiences dynamic weather patterns, including massive thunderstorms and high-speed jet streams. The blue coloration is due to the scattering of sunlight by methane in the upper atmosphere. The presence of fast-moving jet streams creates sharply defined bands and contributes to the planet's visually stunning appearance.
Southern Polar Regions
The South Polar region of Thalassa is a mix of calm and chaotic elements. This region features a combination of smooth, icy clouds and sporadic storm activity. The South Pole is slightly warmer than the North Pole, allowing for the formation of larger and more complex cloud structures. This region is known for its unique polar hexagon, a six-sided jet stream that encircles the pole, creating a geometric cloud pattern. The hexagon's stability and persistence are subjects of scientific fascination, as it remains a mysterious and distinctive feature of Thalassa. The interplay between the hexagon and surrounding storm systems results in a captivating and dynamic polar environment.
Golden Rings
Thalassa's vibrant golden rings are a captivating feature of this gas giant, distinguished by their striking color and intricate structure. These rings are primarily composed of ice particles mixed with silicate dust and organic compounds, which reflect sunlight in a way that creates their characteristic golden hue. The particles range in size from tiny micrometers to larger chunks, and their composition is influenced by Thalassa's proximity to the star Atos. The rings' golden coloration is likely due to the presence of tholins, complex organic molecules formed through the irradiation of simple hydrocarbons by ultraviolet light. These tholins absorb blue and ultraviolet light, scattering the longer wavelengths that appear golden to human eyes. The rings are kept in place by the gravitational influence of Thalassa’s numerous moons, which shepherd and maintain the ring's defined edges through their orbital resonances. This delicate balance between the moons' gravitational forces and the centrifugal forces of the ring particles creates a dynamic and ever-changing but stable ring system that is as scientifically intriguing as it is visually stunning.
Moons
In addition to its three major moons, at least ten additional, lesser moons also orbit around Thalassa. Information regarding these newly discovered moons can be found in the table below
| Moon | Moon Image | Radius (km) | Mass (kg) | Solar Day (hours) | Orbital Period (days) | Semi-major Axis (AU) | Periapsis (AU) | Apoapsis (AU) | Albedo | Surface Temperature (K) | Surface Gravity (m/s²) | Axial Tilt (degrees) | Inclination (degrees) | Orbital Speed (km/s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bassaria |  |
250 | 4.8 × 10^20 | 20 | 15 | 0.002 | 0.0015 | 0.0025 | 0.3 | 150 | 0.4 | 5 | 2 | 1.5 |
| Thyrsia |  |
225 | 3.7 × 10^20 | 18 | 20 | 0.0025 | 0.002 | 0.003 | 0.28 | 145 | 0.35 | 7 | 3 | 1.3 |
| Nyssa |  |
200 | 2.8 × 10^20 | 22 | 25 | 0.003 | 0.0025 | 0.0035 | 0.32 | 140 | 0.3 | 4 | 4 | 1.1 |
| Ampelos |  |
175 | 2.0 × 10^20 | 24 | 30 | 0.0035 | 0.003 | 0.004 | 0.27 | 135 | 0.25 | 6 | 5 | 1.0 |
| Penthia |  |
150 | 1.3 × 10^20 | 26 | 35 | 0.004 | 0.0035 | 0.0045 | 0.29 | 130 | 0.2 | 8 | 6 | 0.9 |
| Silenia |  |
125 | 0.8 × 10^20 | 28 | 40 | 0.0045 | 0.004 | 0.005 | 0.25 | 125 | 0.15 | 10 | 7 | 0.8 |
| Icaria |  |
100 | 0.4 × 10^20 | 30 | 45 | 0.005 | 0.0045 | 0.0055 | 0.3 | 120 | 0.1 | 12 | 8 | 0.7 |
| Corythia |  |
75 | 0.2 × 10^20 | 32 | 50 | 0.0055 | 0.005 | 0.006 | 0.28 | 115 | 0.07 | 14 | 9 | 0.6 |
| Erigone |  |
50 | 0.1 × 10^20 | 34 | 55 | 0.006 | 0.0055 | 0.0065 | 0.26 | 110 | 0.05 | 16 | 10 | 0.5 |
| Ariadna |  |
37.5 | 0.05 × 10^20 | 36 | 60 | 0.0065 | 0.006 | 0.007 | 0.24 | 105 | 0.03 | 18 | 11 | 0.4 |
Mythology
In the religious cosmology of the Reformed Stripping Path, Thalassa is venerated as both a celestial body and the divine embodiment of the sea, martial power, and divine sovereignty. As the most powerful of the Planetary Divines, Thalassa occupies a position of supreme authority, often regarded as the Empress of the divine order and a cosmic force that governs both creation and destruction through the depths of her oceanic domain.
According to canonical tradition, Thalassa was born from the tears of Atos, wept in remorse after the sun was punished for stealing light from Azos. These tears formed the primordial sea from which Thalassa rose, crowned by golden rings and accompanied by her divine court. Her mythic role bridges nurturance and judgment: she sustains life through water and rhythm, yet commands the storm and tempest with equal authority. Stories such as the Hymn of Thalassa portray her as a figure of unyielding strength, whose power must be respected and whose protection must be earned.
Worship of Thalassa is led by the Azure Sentinel Sect, headquartered in Vaeringheim, where sailors, warriors, and mystics uphold her doctrines. Rituals such as Mehtap Dalgası and Amáenarion honor her dual nature as both guide and judge. Followers seek her favor for safe voyages, victories at sea, and resilience in the face of overwhelming forces. Thalassa’s planetary grandeur—particularly her golden rings and vast system of divine satellites—reinforces her status as a celestial queen surrounded by a court of divine attendants, each granting specialized blessings.
Through her sacred association with the gas giant Thalassa, she is understood as the axis of maritime and mystical power, a deity whose gaze governs tides, tempests, and the fate of empires. Her presence embodies awe, command, and the eternal mystery of the deep.
