Alpha Centauri System

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## Overview

Alpha Centauri is often regarded to many as a home away from home for many within the FPE. The system is considered somewhat of a paradise with three naturally habitable planets, Terra, Poseidon and Elysium and two marginally habitable, Eda and Atlas. In just over a century of habitation, the system has made great strides in becoming the cultural capital of the federation, with Terra rapidly posturing itself to becoming the beating heart of the FPE.

## History

While the system is famously noted in Cladius Ptolemaeus' 2nd-century book, Almagest, more details of the elusive system were uncovered slowly over several centuries. It wasn't until 1689 that astronomer Jean Richaud recognised the binary nature of Alpha Centauri A and B, and it took another 300 years for the discovery of Proxima Centauri by Robert T. A. Innes in 1915. The closest exoplanet to Earth, Proxima b (Atlas), was discovered in 2016 by astronomers at the European Southern Observatory.

Subsequent ground and space-based observations (by the James Webb Telescope) of the system identified terrestrial and gaseous planets in the circumstellar habitable zone of Alpha Centauri A and B throughout the 2020s to 2040s. At the same time, efforts of the James Webb Telescope confirmed the presence of breathable atmospheres, spurring Project Far Star, which would launch in late 2063 to survey the system from up close.

However, the planets of Alpha Centauri would remain untouched for over another century, jewels in the abyss beconing to the heavens, until the maiden flight of the FPSV Voyager in 2200.

## Gravitational Governers

The gravitational dynamics of Alpha Centauri are dictated by its three primary stars: Alpha Centauri A, Alpha Centauri B, and Proxima Centauri. Their unique interplay results in varied stable and unstable orbital regions, influencing the system's planetary layout and asteroid distribution.

## System Layout

### Alpha Centauri A (G2V Main Sequence)

#### Artemis (Warm Lacustrine Carbonia)

A planet characterized by its vast carbon-based lakes, Artemis glows with a unique, shimmering beauty, a testament to its rich chemistry.

#### Ares (Warm Arid Terra)

With vast deserts interspersed with occasional oases, Ares is a rugged and challenging world, reminiscent of ancient tales of war and valor.

#### Terra (Temperate Marine Superterra with Life)

A jewel in the Alpha Centauri crown, Terra's abundant oceans, teeming life forms and rapidly developing society make it a beacon of liberty and prosperity in not just Alpha Centauri, but the wider Federation.

* Apollo (Cold Airless Subaquaria)

#### Tycho (Cool Meganeptune)

Dominated by its massive atmosphere, Tycho is a gas giant with home to the first instances of alien technology found in human history.

* Poseidon (Temperate Marine Terra with Life)
* Hera (Cool Airless Subaquaria)
* Deme (Cool Airless Miniaquaria)
* Dyon (Cool Airless Subaquaria)

#### Hades (Cold Superjupiter with Life)

A massive gas giant colder than most, Hades is unique for having traces of primitive life forms within its deep atmospheric layers.

* Crius (Torrid Airless Subaquaria)
* Metis (Cool Airless Miniaquaria)
* Leto (Cold Airless Microterra)

### Alpha Centauri B (K1V Main Sequence)

#### Hyperion (Warm Arid Subterra)

A warm and arid world which lacks much in the way of valuable resources, it has been left largely untouched.

#### Elysium (Temperate Lacustrine Terra with Life)

One of the most populous worlds in Alpha Centauri, Elysium is the largest military outpost in the core worlds, and home to some of the largest deserts in the Federation.

* Sepes (Temperate Airless Microaquaria)
* Braun (Temperate Airless Miniterra)

#### Paragon (Cold Arid Subaquaria)

A cold, serene and airless world with hints of purple scarring across its surface.

* Veritas (Cool Airless Miniaquaria)

### Proxima Centauri (M5.5Ve Main Sequence)

#### Eda (Temperate Lacustrine Terra)

Discovered in the early 2020's, Eda rivals Atlas regarding habitabilty, but pales in comparison to the jewels of Alpha Centauri.

#### Atlas (Cool Lacustrine Terra)

Proxima Centauri b was long thought to be humanity's first interstellar colony. However with the discovery of Terra, Atlas with its limited habitability become less prominent on the galactic stage. Today it hosts a reasonable population predominantly geared towards science and research.

#### Carion (Frigid Neptune)

At the outer reaches of Proxima Centauri's influence, Carion stands as a sentinel - a cold, mysterious giant waiting to reveal its secrets.

## Asteroid Belts

Alpha Centauri is embellished with asteroid belts, primarily located between the orbits of its terrestrial and gaseous planets. Rich in minerals and rare elements, these belts are potential hotspots for mining endeavors, holding both economic and scientific value.

## Space Stations and Megastructures

Given the strategic and cultural importance of Alpha Centauri, it is dotted with an array of space stations and megastructures. These establishments, both residential and commercial, orbit around major planets or float freely, acting as transit points, research hubs, or trade centers. A notable megastructure is the Centauri Port, the first extrasolar outpost ever constructed, serving as a marshalling point for the Centauri Defence Fleet, and the Centauri Council.