Honua

Honua, meaning "Earth" in the Hawaiian language, is an exoplanet discovered by NASA's Starshade spacecraft on August 23rd, 2048. Honua sits in the constellation of lynx at a distance of 349 light-years from Earth. It got its name after word broke of its discovery, with Hawaiian astronomers referring to it as the "Honua". The planet was eventually given the name of Honua. This distant world is classified as a habitable Earth-like planet, due to its temperate temperatures and medium size. Initially it was quite difficult to analyze Honua's features from so far away, also due to its orbit around a P-type red dwarf-yellow dwarf binary system. Honua is one of 10 planets orbiting the star pair, and the 4th closest in its system. The planet also has 10 small dwarf moons, rich in metals that orbit the planet. In 2052, it was discovered that Honua has an oxygen rich atmosphere, along with large surface oceans of liquid water, prompting a response on a global level to governments around the Earth.

## Honua

Where humanity finally joined its galactic neighborhood

## Surface Conditions

### Atmosphere

* H2O 61.7%
* O2 20.3%
* N2 17.2%

## Additional Information

### Life

organic multicellular (marine, terrestrial)

## Planet Information

Honua takes 266 days to orbit its host stars, with a pericenter of 0.8 AU, and an apocenter of 1.04 AU. Honua is only slightly larger than Mars, with a diameter of 8442 kilometers, or 66% that of Earth's diameter. However, it is more massive than Mars, with 29% of Earth's mass compared to Mars' 10% Earth's mass. Honua has a density of 5.64 g/cm³, which is only slightly denser than Earth. Added together this equates for a lower gravitational pull than Earth, with the surface gravity on the surface being only 67% (0.67 g) that of our own planet. This makes it easier to fly aircraft in Honua's atmosphere, a surface gravity of 6.64 m/s². Long stays in these gravity environments can lead to negative health effects, so settlers on Honua have to work out a lot in order to stay healthy. Honua is referred to as being similar to Mars, however this is a misconception and is only called this because of its mass and size. Its surface conditions are very similar to Earth's. Honua has a survivable atmospheric pressure of only 0.46 atm, which is similar to being on a plane. However, the composition of the atmosphere is a lot different from Earth's, with a majority of the atmosphere being water vapor, (H2O) The full composition is 61.7% H2O, 20.3% oxygen, (O2) 17.2% nitrogen, (N2) 0.48% sulfur dioxide, (SO2) and 0.357% carbon dioxide (CO2) along with trace amounts of other gases like carbon oxides, (CO) argon (Ar) and neon (Ne). Unfortunately, the atmosphere on Honua is not breathable to human settlers but humans can walk the surface of Honua with nothing more than an oxygen mask and some summer clothes. Honua has further protection due to a powerful magnetic field which is generated by the planet's spinning core of iron-nickel alloys. The planet also has a shifting crust, with active plate tectonics and a seismically active mantle. Honua has a relatively temperate climate with an average temperature of 20 °C and an axial tilt of 22° making for good seasons and heat spread around the surface of the planet. Settlers of Honua have reported intense seismic activity due to the gravitational pull from both stars orbiting each other, however, large scale planetquakes do not happen often, and this planet is often regarded as a tropical paradise. Ongoing research is happening to study Honua's biosphere, and the way life evolves and lives here with such high levels of SO2 in the atmosphere.

### Dwarf Moons

Honua was initially thought to have no moons orbiting the planet, however, there has always been speculation to if this was the case or not. Since Earth's moon stabilizes our planet's tilt, it was thought that Honua may have a large moon that was stabilizing its tilt. Further inspection from the Unity Star scout ship, which was arrived at Honua in April of 2153, showed that Honua did indeed have moons, 10 of them to be exact. These moons are small dwarf moons, but rich in resources like titanium, iron, and even gold. Honua's largest moon, named Midas, is only 110 kilometers in diameter, and was named after the large amounts of gold found to be on the small moon. Mining missions to some of these moons are planned to be carried out, however it is unknown how this will be done without upsetting the Kakmin. Honua's 9 other dwarf moons are fairly large, but Midas is the only moon with a diameter of over 100 kilometers. Honua's other moons are named after the last names of the crew members of the first manned mission, specifically the command chiefs. The names of the other moons are Lombad, Kramwell, Embatta, Lopez, Edwin, Macmall, Tomlinson, Silos and Camston.

## Discovery

Honua was discovered on August 23rd, 2048, by the Starshade spacecraft, launched by NASA in 2025. Starshade was designed to block out the starlight of distant stars to directly image any planets that may be orbiting them. Honua was one of 10 planets discovered orbiting the binary star pair. One planet was discovered to be in the habitable zone and was identified as a rocky planet smaller than Earth. It was added to the KOI catalogue as a Kepler object of interest, dubbed as KOI-10283.04. The discovery of the system an amazement for the scientific community, being the first system to be discovered with 10 or more planets.

### Atmospheric Study

On June 5th, 2052, The Paul Campbell Space Telescope, (shortened to PCST) was launched into the L1 point around the Earth, and focused on studying the atmospheres of distant exoplanets, and one of its first targets was the planets in its mission was KOI-10283.04, or Honua. Prolonged study of the atmosphere revealed that it had a high concentration of water vapor, as well as a more promising factor, oxygen. Not just small amounts too, it was estimated that the atmosphere was around 20% oxygen, which is usually the biproduct of a flourishing ecosystem. They also detected that the pressure at the surface is likely only half that of Earths, at 0.5 atmospheres. KOI-10283.04 was the first exoplanet studied found to have an oxygen rich atmosphere, prompting more curiosity and deeper studies from the majority of astronomers and astrophysicists from around the world. in early 2053, a major discovery regarding KOI-10283.04 was made, with the PCST detecting all 6 elements required for life within the planet, being carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, and nitrogen.

### Significance to Humanity

Honua's discovery was one of the most important, if not the most important thing to ever happen to Humanity. The discovery of another world like Earth prompted governments to begin working together to learn more about what could be on the planet of Honua, and how we could possibly establish relations with the indigenous, or whatever life forms may be there. Honua was also the first astronomical body outside of the Earth which was able to sustain life, answering the great question of "Are we alone?" Honua's discovery influenced many people, scientists devoted their life to studying the planet, and its system. Books written on what life would be like on Honua, with possible ways to peacefully contact the indigenous and work with them. New technologies are being envisioned on what materials could exist on the planet, what kind of flora and fauna would grow in the conditions it lives in, the possibilities were endless for humans to think about. It was the most important discovery of the 22nd century.

### Timeline

* August 23rd, 2048 - the discovery of 10 planets found to be orbiting the KOI-10283 barycenter, one of which is in the habitable zone.
* June 5th, 2052 - The Paul Campell Space Telescope launches into orbit to study exoplanet atmospheres, focusing primarily on KOI-10283.04.
* February 12th, 2053 - Water vapor is discovered in KOI-10283.04's atmosphere, suggesting a surface ocean or subsurface ocean.
* April 29th, 2053 - Nitrogen and Oxygen discovered in KOI-10283.04's atmosphere, a major discovery suggesting that the planet's surface could be flourishing with life.
* May 5th, 2053 - World governments are informed of the discovery, Hawaiian astronomers name the planet "Honua".
* May 20th, 2053 - NASA in cooperation with SpaceX and world government agencies, begin to design a telescope specifically to study Honua, and its promising atmosphere as well as to do something never done before and directly image the exoplanet.
* July 18th, 2055 - Development of the telescope is complete and is named the Honua Observatory and Atmospheric Study Telescope, (HOAST) for short.
* September 2nd, 2055 - HOAST is launched to be transported to mars aboard a Starship payload, to be launched into the Mars L2 point from Mars Base Alpha (MBA)
* March 5th, 2056 - HOAST is launched into the Mars L2 point from MBA.
* July 15th, 2056 - after HOAST discovers the presence of CO2, SO2, CO, Argon, and Neon in Honua's atmosphere, data is sent to Earth governments, where humanity plans to build a probe to travel the 349-light-year distance between the Solar System and to KOI-10283's system within a human lifetime.
* July 17th, 2056 - Honua is discovered to have a 22-degree axial tilt, along with a 21-hour rotational period, further increasing the chances of life on the planet.
* July 19th, 2056 - the first direct image of Honua is taken, which in visible color shows that the planet has a blue atmosphere, like Earth.
* August 20th, 2056 - News breaks to the public about Honua's habitable atmosphere, with people imagining what possible life could be like there.
* January 1st, 2057 - It is announced to the world that a space probe is being created to send a rover and multiple orbiters to Honua's system, in efforts to prove if alien life exists on Honua. With humanities advancements, faster than light travel is capable, with NASA and SpaceX along with other government space agencies estimating a 93-year travel time to the system.
* January 13th, 2057 - Development and construction begins on the ship that will carry the Honua Perserverance Lander, and Honua orbiters 1 & 2 to the KOI-10283 system, along with construction of the Lander and orbiters themselves.
* December 28th, 2058 - Completion of the propulsion system, along with tests of the system on a small ship between Earth and Saturn, taking only 3 minutes to reach Saturn from Earth, and back. This day was celebrated by billions around the world, with US president Liam Monroe calling it "the gateway to the universe and the unity between the world".
* April 20th, 2059 - The lander and orbiters finish development, and construction of the ship body began.
* March 18th, 2060 - All parts and vehicles of the newly named "Unity Star" are complete and begin to be launched into low Earth orbit for assembly.
* March 26th, 2060 - The ship is assembled in orbit, and after various tests to ensure it is in good condition, preparations begin leave Earth.
* March 30th, 2060 - Unity Star begins its 93-year journey to Honua.
* April 28th, 2153 - Unity Star arrives at Honua, and on-board cameras begin to send pictures of the planet back to Earth, however because of the distances between the two systems, images and data takes months to send.
* April 30th, 2153 - Unity Star enters a high orbit around Honua, taking pictures and preparing to detach the orbiters and Lander.
* May 2nd, 2153 - The Honua Perserverance Lander detaches from Unity Star and begins its decent into the Honuan atmosphere.
* May 3rd, 2153 - Honua Perserverance Lander successfully touches down on the surface of Honua, on land thankfully.
* May 5th, 2153 - Honua orbiters 1 & 2 are deployed into a low-Honua orbit, and being mapping the surface, collecting climate data, and atmosphere data.
* October 21st, 2153 - First images of Honua transmit to Earth, along with surface & climate data. Images show the surface of Honua is covered in dense forests, and one of the most shocking revelations, city lights.
* October 31st, 2153 - The entire world is in shock to figure out that intelligent life exists outside of the Solar System.
* November 2nd, 2153 - Some people begin to riot and panic over the discovery of alien life, but scientists and politicians quickly calm them down, assuring that the world is working together to make contact with them.
* November 20th, 2153 - NASA & SpaceX announce a new variant of the Unity Star interstellar vehicle, capable of carrying 200 humans and lots of cargo to Honua. Advancements in technology have also improved the drive core, shortening the trip by 20 years.
* January 1st, 2154 - Construction of the Unity Star passenger ship is complete, most of the work took place during the past 93 years the probe ship was travelling to Honua.
* February 5th, 2154 - 200 astronauts are selected to venture out of the solar system to Honua, the journey will take approximately 73 years, however they will be in cryosleep.
* February 28th, 2154 - all 200 astronauts are launched to the Unity Star.
* March 2nd, 2154 - The Unity Star begins its 73 year long voyage to Honua.
* August 23rd, 2227 - The Unity Star arrives at Honua. Aboard the ship are life support systems, and tons of cargo which can be used to create small habitats with pressurized chambers for settlers, other than that the atmosphere of Honua is safe to go outside in with nothing more than some summer clothes and an oxygen mask.
* August 25th, 2227 - Unity Star enters orbit around Honua in the geostationary zone, but it seems as if whatever species dominates Honua has already noticed them.
* August 28th, 2227 - Settlers begin to board shuttles and send landers full of cargo down to remote islands on Honua's surface, where they plan to build a colony to begin studying this alien world.
* CURRENT DAY - The first colony has been established, ongoing research is studying the Honuan wildlife, flora and fauna, and beginning to make preparations to make contact with the Kelamatan, the intelligent race inhabiting the planet.

### Spacecraft/Settler Images

First direct image of Honua taken by HOAST.The Unity Star cargo ship in orbit around Earth preparing to burn for Honua.The Unity Star cargo ship approaching Honua.Unity Star cargo ship in orbit around Honua.Unity Star cargo ship in low Honua orbit, preparing to drop off cargo to surface settlersThe first image of Honua ever sent back to Earth.A fleet of cargo ships preparing to launch supplies to the Honuan settlers.Settlers entering Honua's atmosphere, landing at Settler's Island.
## Geography & Climate

The surface of Honua is decorated with very peculiar lifeforms that have evolved to adapt to their environments, minor changes in the temperature can affect all these creatures. Below is what the climate of Honua is like, based on research from the Honuan ground bases and orbital satellites. There are currently two different ground bases in which humans stay, one on Settler's Island, and the other main base being a few hundred kilometers west of Settler's Island, on another island named Mt. Tamila.

### Geography

Honua's geographical locations spark interest among settlers on this planet, from its rolling mountains, dry deserts, large pluteus, lush forests and jungles, some sulfuric lakes and beautiful coral reefs, Honua's conditions allow for life to thrive on its surface and in the oceans, with almost 75% of the surface of Honua being covered in water. The other 25% of land is where the majority of life lives. Honua's land features landscapes similar to Earth, but on jacked up scales due to the low gravity of the planet. Mountains and volcanoes are scattered throughout the surface, some reaching heights of over 10 kilometers above sea level. The peaks of these volcanoes and mountains are usually covered by thick layers of snow due to the cold temperatures at high altitudes. Lower down on higher elevations of mountain ranges and flatlands, around 3-5 kilometers above sea level is where a lot of the Kakmin live, and a lot of these areas are forests and mountains. The lowest areas of Honua are often referred to as the lowlands, they are the most tropical regions of Honua where a majority of life lives. the lowlands have very fertile soil, often wet and with a steady flow of rainstorms throughout the Honuan year. Some of the most beautiful landscapes exist here, with lush tropical rainforests and vast beaches. On the dryer side, Honua's vast deserts are found over the surface of the planet, sometimes reaching temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius. Scientists studying these deserts have concluded that vast reservoirs of water once flowed through these dry lands, but through thousands of years of little water supply, these areas became vast and dry. However, life still finds a way to flourish here.

### Climate

Honua has a relatively temperate climate with average surface temperatures varying from a cold -10 °C at the planet's apocenter to a warm 23 °C at its pericenter. However, the temperature on the surface varies depending on latitude and longitude. The Polar regions tend to stay below 0 °C throughout the Honuan year, with small but prominent ice caps at the planet's southern pole. At the equator, daytime temperatures can reach a quite warm 40 °C, and do not change much throughout the year. Similar to on Earth, the planet's climate in the northern and southern subpolar regions changes throughout the year because of Honua's 22-degree axial tilt. Subpolar regions have regular temperature fluxes ranging from -3 °C in winters, and 38 °C in the summers. Life at these regions has adapted to withstand the constant change of seasons. Honua's atmosphere scatters much of the heat from the equator towards the north and southern hemispheres, bringing in rainy and stormy seasons, while in the winters one hemisphere will get a polar vortex blown in from the north and south poles. The poles of Honua remain unexplored due to the treacherous conditions and unknown life forms that live on those regions. Settler's Island, site of the Honuan research base lies on an island with a well-studied climate, ranging from 23 °C to 39 °C throughout Honua's year. Much more study is required to completely understand Honua's climate, but settlers have a good idea on what the climate on the planet is like.