Tarsica

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Tarsica
Disclaimer: all information compiled in this table is the result of efforts by scientists representing the New Zimian Space Exploration and Settlement Agency.
Tarsica1222.jpg
Orbital characteristics
Mass (Kg) 9.45E+22
Radius (Km) 1,737
Solar Day (h) 327
Orbital Period (days) 24.8
Semi-Major Axis (Km) 384,399
Periapsis (AU) .002
Apoapsis (AU) .002
Albedo .16
Surface Temperature (K) 255
Surface Gravity (m/s^2) 2.09
Axial Tile (degrees) 8.1
Inclination (degrees) 3.1
Orbital Speed (Km/s) 9.27
Land/Sea Ratio N/A
Satellites None

Tarsica, Micras' satellite, is roughly the same size as Earth's moon, Luna. And they both share roughly the same daily orbit around their planet sister. The similarities between Luna and Tarsica end here however. Unlike Luna, Tarsica has a very thin atmosphere and a small amount of plantlife. Just enough to keep the atmosphere stable and self-replenishing. Due to Tarsica being both a satellite and having a thin atmosphere, the planet remains perpetually cold. Almost all water on the surface is frozen, and liquid water underground has to be reached by drilling. Hardy evergreen plants dominate the flora of Tarsica, its short Gorgon Pines seen bending against the harsh Tarsican winds through viewers telescopes on Micras. Other plants remain mostly scrub, clinging to rock crevices or near open water. Both the climate and atmosphere remain in a perpetual tundra.

Basic Detail

Original map of Tarsica


The climate of Tarsica is attributed to it having a rich amount of water. Except for it being mostly frozen. The moon's core is only slightly volcanic, attributing to a number of underground water reservoirs. It does, however, remain to cold on the surface to keep water in its liquid form for very long. Only along Tarsica's equator can any liquid water be seen in amounts greater than a few square miles. The rest of the surface remains a rugged winter landscape, comparing to the higher altitudes of a mountain. Trees grow deep roots and may live to be hundreds of years old, yet grow no taller than a twelve or so feet. Thanks to the constant melting and re-freezing of water along the equator and in other "hot spots", Tarsica has plentiful snowfall. This has attributed to the common pet name of the "Christmas Moon".


Species

Of fauna, Tarsica has little to none. Almost no birds are present except for small species similar to cardinals and chickadees which can survive the rigours of the cold and make their homes amid the small scrubbrush. All water on Tarsica is fresh rather than saline, attributing to most fauna clinging to the equatorial region. Of the largest species on Tarsica is the Polar Worm, an insect-like creature the size of a horse that prowls the wastes and eats grass and smaller insects. Smaller species are reputed to exist that, although not officially entered onto any taxonomy that enjoys current recognition, are referred to colloquially as "reindeer", "polar bears" and the like on account of their ostensible resemblance to creatures encountered in Micras' own boreal regions. The resemblance of these reputed creatures may be more apparent than real however, a testimony to the early explorers of Tarsica grasping for familiar comparisons. The best that might be said that these creatures, if they exist, is that they may inhabit similar ecological niches to those of their Micrasean counterparts, perhaps warranting the comparison. The low oxygen content in the atmosphere serves as a curb on the proliferation and size of complex biological organisms on the moon, affording scope to those who doubt the early accounts of exploration.

In the early 41.50s PSSC the Bassarid government - citing pressure from the international community - suppressed information regarding the existence of a large species known as the Tarsican Stone Crab. Although confirmed by Bassarid researchers who were able, during one of several missions to Tarsica, to photograph and to collect high quality partial specimens, the existence of the Stone Crab is rejected by researchers outside of the Bassarids, who nevertheless acknowledge the presence of the other species listed above, such as polar bears, reindeer, and the assuredly mythical polar worm.

If the Natopian mission on Tarsica, operating from New Lindstrom, ever encountered any of the reputed creatures listed above, it has not yet seen fit to communicate the news of such a discovery to the wider international community. Considering the flagrant intrusions of the safir into the Atos system, there cannot be said to be any meaningful taboo against discussing the independent evolution of life on other celestial bodies orbiting in the system. As such the reason for the presumed reticence on the subject may lie elsewhere.

Colonization Efforts

New Lindstrom

New Lindstrom is a research installation on the surface of Micras' moon, Tarsica. The colony is self-sufficient with large hydroponic bays, waste recyclers and below the surface ice extracting drills. A minor military attachment is stationed at New Lindstrom for defence and security of Natopian sovereignty on the base.

Visitors from nations on friendly terms with Natopia are welcome to tour and stay in New Lindstrom.

Lucien on Tarsica

A map showing the approximate location of Lucien on Tarsica.

Lucien on Tarsica is a Bassarid military installation established in secrecy as part of a joint effort by the New Zimian Space Exploration and Settlement Agency and the New Zimian War League in the early 39th era PSSC. The installation, which is used for research as well as a range of other operations, is located immediately between the two large equatorial lakes found along the southern rim of the Novaya-Sabir crater. The existence of this base is disputed and resented by members of the international community who doubt the validity and sophistication of Bassarid scientific research.

Lucien in Orbit

Lucien in Orbit is a small, planned space station currently under construction at Lucien on Tarsica's manufacturing and construction facilities. Once finished, Lucien in Orbit will orbit Tarsica at a relatively low altitude for a period of 10 years PSSC before crashing into the Tarsican surface.