Desperot

Desperot is the second planet of the Desperot System. It is a terrestrial planet which has a thick atmosphere whose characteristics are not yet fully understood. A large cyclonic storm akin to the Jovian great red spot circles the planet every 12 hours, while the planetary sidereal day is approximately 20 hours. The planet maintains a stable orbit about its sun and has no moons.

Composition

Desperot's composition is mainly terrestrial. Its core is noted for its rapid two-day mass redistribution cycle. This phenomenon is not yet understood and it produces curious effects on the gravitation in local space. Below is a brief sketch of the force in newtons as a function of distance from center of mass, where center of mass moves from center of planet to spherical plain every two days.

Surface Conditions

Atmosphere

Desperot's thick atmosphere maintains an average surface temperature of 200 degrees celcius day and night. Upper atmospheric electrical disturbances result in an eerie bluish glow during the night and lower-level dust storms result in a hellish day time characterized by a reddish brown ambiance.

Surface

Desperot's surface is inhospitable to unprotected life forms. An equatorial mountain range containing peaks far higher than the Martian Olympus Mons or the Terran Mount Everest lies adjacent to a massive ocean-like depression where water was likely present.

Mining Settlement

Desperot is known for its 22nd century technology-based domed mining settlement. The settlement is located south of the equatorial line. The following drawings were taken from prospecting and engineering records at the time the colony was founded.

Layout

The mining settlement itself is a functional place. The dome is built against and into a large mountain to its south. Against this mountain the mine operations building stands. Other mining facilities and operations also exist in the colony. Of particular interest is the park mine, located closest to the local brothel. This mine houses not only large bauxite deposits but also the colony's main geothermal power station. That station is powered by heated subterranean water flows.

Artificial Lighting

At some point in its history, the Desperot colony engineers elected to build an artificial sun. This is a vast light which runs across an arced track every 12 hours and then waits another 12 hours to re-execute the same action.