Altaris IV

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Planet Name: Altaris IV Class: M Quadrant: Alpha Primary Star: Altaris Major Planet Size (Relative to Earth): Slightly larger (about 2-2.5 times the Earth) Planet Mass (Relative to Earth): Again higher Number Of Moons: None Atmosphere: 27% Oxygen, 3% Carbon Dioxide, 58% Nitrogen, 12% Inert/trace gases Land/Water Ratio: 35% Land: 65% Water Climatic Information : Altaris IV has an amazingly complex weather system, which seems to go against all natural laws, this initially stirred interest among Starfleet meteorologists, however due to the Restricted status of the planet further study was suspended. Altaris IV consists of two major continents. One in the Northern hemisphere (called Beldan) and one in the south (Telorn). The whole population is based in the smaller northern continant, Beldan, as the significantly larger Telorn continants climate is a lot less hospitable than its northern neighbours. The Northern hemisphere is generally subject to much better weather than the south. The average temperature is about 5 degrees higher than Earths global mean. The Altaris year ( 462 days) is split into only two main seasons, equivalent to summer and winter, the transition between the two is rapid, and the calander of the Altarians is based so that the transition happens at the beginning and middle of the year. The summer of Beldan results in conditions very similar to the tropics of Earth: high humidity and temperature interspersed with frequent thunderstorms and showers. The winter is still warm but is subject to frequent severe storms involving hail, hurricanes or even sleet, which begin with little or no warning and end with similarly no warning. During the winter the temperature can plummet or soar very rapidly with no apparent pattern. The Southern hemisphere is subject to almost perpetual high winds and very frequent rain and sleet storms. Wheras Beldan is situated half way between the equator and the North Pole, Telorn is situated over the South Pole. The mean temperature of Telorn is significantly lower than Beldan, and depending on the time of year, often strays below 0 degrees Celsius, plummeting as low as -20. Several theories have been put forward to explain these unique climate features, however now that the planets restricted status has been removed, further study is imminent.

Typical Surface Features: Beldan - Lots of Vegitation, Many different forms of wildlife. Tropical forests fill the South of Beldan, broken only by huge areas cleared for Cities, to the very North of Beldan these Forests gradually fade away as the temperature gradient and humidity decrease, and vast plains take over. It is on these cooler plains that the bulk of the planets population are situated, in vast beautiful cities. Telorn - Huge techtonic stresses have resulted in huge canyons next to equally huge mountains. There are many active volcanoes which dot the landscape. Very little life, however there are some species which reside underground or in the shelter of canyons, crevices etc The surface of the continant is nearly all rock due to the erroding winds which constantly ravage the land. Vegitation is sparse and primarily consists of thorn bushes. However very little research was conducted on this continant.

Other Relevant Information: 106 years ago, a Federation science vessel crashlanded on the Beldan continant. The Altarian society was at level E- on the Richter scale and not yet ready for first contact. The Government kept the contact secret from the general public, but asked for no contact until they felt the time was right. Altaris IV was declared off limits once the team and ship were recovered. However the government has now contacted the Federation, informing us that they are now ready to try a prototype 'warp' drive equivalant, which is apparently significantly weaker (obtaining a maximum of warp 4). They have invited us to send and 'observer group' who will watch the attempt at warp travel, and then discuss the possibility of Federation membership.

Appendix I (9711.14, author: Lt Cmdr Marlin) The USS Freedom-A observed the warp test and due to complications which arose became stranded within an artificial universe which was later determined to be the Altarian's warp field. The whole affair increased relations between ourselves and the Altarians although little more was found out about their home planet or culture. However the Altarian government has invited a science team to Altaris IV. The Altarians have agreed to suspend further use of their warp drive, until the Federation council makes a decision on whether to share Federation warp technology with them, their application for Federation membership is also being considered