The Planet

Planetary Statistics

Year (Earth Days)                                     732
Diameter (km)                                           21,709
Mass (Earths)                                            4.12
Mean Orbit (Au)                                       3.2
Avg Day Temp ºC                                    -56
Avg Night Temp ºC                                -93
Surface Gravity (x Earths)                   1.89
Moons                                                          2

The planet on which Project: Foster is centered around is approximately 70% larger than Earth in diameter, with a molten iron core that is approximately 50% larger than Earth’s. This core generates a strong magnetic field around the planet, much like our own, and the mass and size of the planet makes gravity conditions almost twice that of Earth’s. 

Much of the Sero387c’s surface consists of deep oceans and massive sheets of ice. There is very little landmass above sea level (≈16% visible from orbit), though extremely large continental glaciers account for seven times the amount of solid ground as terrestrial floor.

Orbital studies detect little evidence of life on the surface of the planet, but it is hypothesized that there is an abundance of sea life under the ice. The ice allows the light to filter down into the briny oceans beneath, it is estimated that sunlight is not likely the primary source of energy for the planet’s life forms. Scans indicate that geothermal activity on the ocean floor could possibly sustain chemical-based ecosystems, as Sero 387c exhibits tectonic activity. Also, the planet’s oceans have a high concentration of sulphur— a possible by-product of chemosynthesis produced by underwater lifeforms. Further investigation will require submarine exploration.

my love of NPR knows no bounds

To all those who write NPR off as pretentious:

The key, he says, is that the worms don’t use light but a “completely different energy source” in a process called chemosynthesis. The worm uses its red plume to absorb hydrogen sulfide — that nasty stuff that smells like rotten eggs — from the vent water. A colony of bacteria living inside the worm’s gut gobbles up the hydrogen sulfide and uses it to create carbon compounds that feed the worm. Voila — chemosynthesis!

Truly award-winning journalism. Moments like this and Mel’s tumblr account make me forget about Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. :)
So, guys, when are we going to Sophie’s?  osullivan973@gmail.com