Solar Objects

This guide categorizes the diverse types of solar objects—planets, atmospheres, stars, and asteroids—to support safe and strategic exploration in deep space.

In space exploration, the diversity of celestial objects creates a range of environments, resources, and challenges. From habitable planets and deadly atmospheres to asteroid belts filled with valuable minerals, each type of solar object offers unique potential for discovery and adventure. Understanding the characteristics of these objects helps explorers prepare for the hazards they may face, the resources they can harvest, and the mysteries they might uncover.

Star

Stars are categorized by spectral type, which is determined by their temperature, color, and specific characteristics. Each spectral type is represented by a letter and has a distinct color associated with it, ranging from the hottest blue stars to the coolest red stars.

TYPE	DESCRIPTION
O - Blue	Extremely hot and massive stars with surface temperatures above 30,000 K; very bright and short-lived.
B - Blue-White	Hot and luminous stars with temperatures between 10,000 - 30,000 K, often found in young star clusters.
A - White	Bright stars with temperatures between 7,500 - 10,000 K; strong hydrogen absorption lines; includes stars like Sirius.
F - Yellow-White	Moderate temperatures (6,000 - 7,500 K), stable, often used as standards for understanding stellar evolution.
G - Yellow	Similar to our Sun, with temperatures between 5,200 - 6,000 K; supports habitable planets in the “Goldilocks Zone.”
K - Orange	Cooler stars with temperatures between 3,700 - 5,200 K; long-lived, making them suitable for stable planetary systems.
M - Red	Cool and small with temperatures between 2,400 - 3,700 K; faint, includes the most common stars, red dwarfs.
L - Dark Red	Brown dwarfs with limited fusion and surface temperatures between 1,300 - 2,400 K; very faint and cool.
T - Magenta	Extremely cool brown dwarfs with temperatures between 700 - 1,300 K, emitting primarily in infrared.
Y - Deep Magenta	Coldest known stars with temperatures below 700 K; may contain atmospheric features like water clouds.

Planet

Planets range from lush, habitable worlds to harsh, deadly environments. Each planet type presents unique challenges and resource opportunities for explorers. Understanding the characteristics of each type can help players prepare for survival, resource extraction, and colonization efforts.

TYPE	DESCRIPTION
Temperate World	Earth-like planets with breathable atmospheres, stable climates, and diverse ecosystems. Ideal for colonization, requiring minimal life support.
Barren World	Rocky, desolate planets with little to no atmosphere, similar to Mars. Requires full life support systems and insulated habitats for survival.
Gas Giant	Massive planets composed mainly of hydrogen and helium with extreme pressures; colonies are limited to floating stations or extraction platforms.
Ice World	Frozen planets with extreme cold and icy surfaces; they may harbor subsurface oceans. Specialized insulation and heating are necessary for explorers.
Desert World	Arid, rocky landscapes with minimal water and extreme temperature variations. Survival depends on life support for hydration and cooling.
Volcanic World	Highly active geologically, with frequent volcanic eruptions, lava flows, and toxic gases. Survival requires full environmental suits and heat-resistant equipment.
Toxic World	Atmosphere filled with harmful gases, making it lethal to unprotected humans. Exploration requires sealed suits with advanced filtration systems.
Ocean World	Planets covered predominantly by water with few or no land masses. Aquatic or floating colonies are required, with equipment for underwater exploration.

Asteroids

Asteroids are diverse in composition and origin, each type offering unique resources and presenting specific challenges for mining and exploration.

Asteroid Type	Description
Carbonaceous	Rich in carbon, water, and organic compounds; dark in color and commonly found in the outer asteroid belt. Excellent source for water extraction and organic materials.
Silicaceous	Composed mainly of silicate minerals with some nickel-iron; stony in nature and located in the inner asteroid belt. Valued for rock-based minerals and metals.
Metallic	Primarily made of iron and nickel with high concentrations of precious metals. These are highly sought after for metal mining and construction materials.
Dark	Very dark, primitive bodies found in the outer solar system, containing volatiles and carbon compounds. Valuable for research and rare, unrefined resources.
Volcanic	Composed of basaltic rock, likely from volcanic processes or from the crust of differentiated bodies. Contains igneous materials, offering potential for rare minerals.
Rubble Pile	Loose collection of rocks, dust, and debris held together by gravity rather than solid cohesion. Highly unstable and challenging for mining due to its loose structure.

Atmosphere

Atmospheres vary widely, often posing unique challenges for survival and exploration. Each atmosphere type requires specific precautions, and understanding these conditions is essential for safe planetary exploration.

TYPE	DESCRIPTION
Breathable	Earth-like and supports human life with minimal assistance. Hazards are minimal, with occasional irritants; no specialized life support needed.
Thick	Dense, high-pressure atmosphere that can make breathing difficult and cause overheating. Requires a pressure-regulated suit with cooling systems to prevent exhaustion.
Thin	Low oxygen and pressure levels can cause rapid fatigue and hypoxia over time. Supplemental oxygen or a respirator is recommended for extended exposure.
Corrosive	Contains acidic or chemically reactive gases that corrode metals and can cause severe burns. Full environmental suit with anti-corrosive layers is necessary.
Toxic	Filled with lethal gases even in trace amounts, posing an immediate life-threatening risk. Requires a sealed suit with advanced air filtration for safe exploration.
Inert	Composed of non-reactive gases, with no oxygen present, causing suffocation without support. Requires a full life support system with an independent oxygen supply.
Flammable	High concentration of volatile gases that can ignite from a single spark, creating an explosion risk. Explosion-proof, static-resistant suit is essential.
Insidious	Atmosphere includes subtle hazards, such as psychoactive or neurotoxic elements, causing hallucinations or neurological effects over time. A sealed suit with enhanced filtration is recommended.

Temperature

Temperature ranges vary greatly, impacting survival, equipment durability, and the availability of resources.

TYPE	DESCRIPTION
Frozen	Extremely cold temperatures, often below -50°C, capable of freezing equipment and exposing skin to frostbite within minutes. Specialized heating systems and insulated suits are essential for survival.
Cold	Low temperatures, generally between -10°C and -50°C, which increase the risk of hypothermia over time. Cold-weather gear, gloves, and temperature-regulated suits are recommended.
Temperate	Mild temperatures between 0°C and 30°C, comfortable for humans with minimal risk from temperature alone. Standard gear is suitable; some regions may experience seasonal shifts.
Hot	High temperatures between 30°C and 50°C, leading to dehydration and heat exhaustion without adequate hydration and cooling. Light, breathable suits with hydration support are ideal.
Burning	Scorching temperatures exceeding 50°C, posing severe risks of heatstroke and equipment overheating. Requires cooling systems integrated into environmental suits to prevent overheating and dehydration.