While I am still thinking about Antarctica the coldest place found on our Earth, and Kat Holmes story Frozen... (see the March 30 post) I thought it would be a good idea to share a bit of information on the research about an entire ice-covered planet from one of my stories. (This one is co-written with another SF author-- more on that later)
I started working on the idea for the “Ice Blue” Planet featured in this SF story a while back. I wanted to make it as scientifically plausible and realistic as possible, since a big part of the story's action takes place on its surface.
This SF planet is stunningly beautiful when seen from space. It is cast with perpetual blue shades that has the look of predawn light. It has a dense but breathable atmosphere. Covered in heavy drifts of bluish tinged snow, ice storms and chilling winds prevail. This planet is naturally in a distant orbit from its sun, with short seasons and temperatures that dip well below the freezing mark even at the warmest time.
Yet it is still inside what scientists call the Goldilocks Zone. Simply put, this zone is an area around a star with an orbiting Earth-like planet that has the ability to sustain life, even if harsh conditions abound on the planet's surface. Also known as the habitable zone (HZ).
Why choose an inhospitable yet beautiful planet like this one for a setting? This particular story is not actually about the planet but more about mounting a defense against hostile aliens who invade and destroy other cultures. So the planet specs lend well to the story. And there is an interesting human-made aspect on the surface of this planet.
What do you think of a planet like this as a setting? Do you like it when setting mirrors the events taking place in a story? What would you do if you were to encounter such a harsh and inhospitable place? Not to mention the aliens who have invaded it.
Kaye
6 comments:
Hey thanks again for the plug.:-) And I love what you wrote about your ice world.:-)
Entirely plausible, Kaye. If you haven't, you might want to check out SNOWBALL EARTH by Gabrielle Walker. One person's belief on how life was spawned as a result form Earth's own ice planet history. Interesting read and could provide some food for plot. :)
I love this idea, although there would need to be a good reason for aliens to attack a planet like this. The harsh environment would present problems for them too.
I like stories that make the setting another character. That's one of the good things about SFR--you can create the world to mirror the action.
Is there a food source on this planet?
Thanks to all for stopping by with comments on the blue planet. I got called out again and have been away! But I so appreciate all the indeas here.
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