Philolaches (planet)

"Sanctus Stella BII" redirects here. For the Saletrist deity that the planet is named after, see Philolaches (god).

Philolaches

Discovery
Discovered by	Sobersides Paterculus
Discovery date	30 December 1439
Designations
Pronunciation	θɪloʊlɑtʃis
Named after	Saletrist god of fire
Alternative names	Sanctus Stella BII
Adjectives	Philolachian
Orbital characteristics
Epoch J2000
Aphelion	0.366697 AU (54.86 million km)
Perihelion	0.369184 AU (55.23 million km)
Orbital period	491.17 d 1.34 yr 2.78 Philolaches sanctus day
Synodic period	532.19 d
Average orbital speed	67.23 km/s
Inclination	6.273 to ecliptic 9.261 to Sancta Ratio B 7.927 to invariable plane
Known satellites	18
Physical characteristics
Flattening	0.8137
Surface area	271.29 million km2 1.37 Earths
Volume	3.283 trillion cubic km2 3.02 Earths
Mass	8.712×10^21 kg 145.88 Earths
Mean density	2,653,528,050 kg/km3
Surface gravity	9.2 m/s2
Rotation period	7.91 d
Axial tilt	−14.82°
Surface temp. min mean max Celsius 682 693 732.17 Fahrenheit 1259.6 1279.4 1349.90 Kelvin 955.15 966.15 1005.32
Atmosphere
Composition by volume	76.9% carbon dioxide 18.3% carbon monoxide 4.8% sulfur dioxide

Philolaches (/θɪloʊlɑtʃis/) is the innermost planet in the Sanctus Ratio system and warmest one, named after the Saletrist god of fire Philolaches. The scalding atmosphere primary consists of carbon dioxide and monoxide, with small traces of sulfur dioxide. At the surface it has a mean temperature of 693 °C, in part thanks to a dense atmosphere and numerous active volcanoes. Philolaches is classified as a terrestial planet, and harbors hundreds of thousands of craters, due to hundreds of meteorites that hit the planet, which also contributed to starting the geographic instability of the planet. Its largest crater, Cratera Lata, has a diameter of approximately 3,900 km.

With over 500 active volcanoes, Philolaches is the most geographically active object in the star system. The largest currently active volcano is Magnus Vulcanus, which is estimated to erupt at least forty times every year. The large number of moons orbiting the planet cause the distance from the east to the west to extend by approximately a half centimeter every decade; this results in the planet being slightly flattened. This also contributes to the geographic instability, as the planet suffers regularly from earthquakes as the tectonic plates drift away. It is estimated that within the next one billion years, there is a 78% chance that the planet will be ripped apart completely.

Philolaches' volcanism is responsible for several of its unique features. Its frequent, violent volcanoes produce a rupes system, and also coats the planet's crust in a thin layer of yellow and white, largely due to sulfur being spewed from the volcanoes. Lava rivers, the overwhelming majority over 700 kilometers, also cover the surface, often flowing into valleys and canyons. The gases produced by the volcanoes make up the thick, grey atmosphere that surrounds the planet, trapping more heat and allowing the planet to continue in its cycle.

Physical characteristics

Philolaches is one of 7 terrestial planets orbiting Sanctus Stella B. It is the densest planet in the Sanctus Stella system, weighing approximately 145.88 Earths and taking the space of about 3.02 Earths; this makes the gravity exceedingly strong on the planet. The planet is somewhat ellipsoid in shape, with the distance between the east and west 59 centimeters more than the distance from the north and south poles. Conditions on the planet are radically different from Earth, thanks to the extensive blanket covering the planet and frequent volcanic eruptions. The average surface temperature is 693 °C, well above the possible range of survivable temperatures. However, there have been recent studies that suggest that there are small pockets of water vapour trapped beneath the crust.

Atmosphere and climate

Philolaches has an extremely dense atmosphere composed of 76.9% carbon dioxide, 18.3% carbon monoxide, and 4.8% sulfur dioxide—all three exist as supercritical fluids—and traces of water vapour and hydrogen sulfide. The pressure is approximately 97 times denser than Earth's, largely due to the gases being compressed severely. The CO₂-rich atmosphere generates the strongest greenhouse effect of any planet in the star system, creating surface temperatures varying from 682 to 732.17 °C. The prominent runaway greenhouse effect has served as a warning to scientists such as Damia Phigaleia about the future of Earth.