Austras

Austras is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "The Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. The planet is notable for its unique evolutionary trajectory, which diverged significantly from Earth's. In the novel, Austras is inhabited by various sentient species, most prominently spiders and nanite-infused humans. The novel explores the complex interactions and societal development of these inhabitants over millennia.

The early history of Austras in the narrative involves the arrival of human colonists, who brought with them advanced technology, including nanites. These nanites, intended to uplift native species, inadvertently triggered an accelerated evolutionary process in some of Austras's indigenous life forms. The spiders, in particular, undergo a rapid development of intelligence and societal structure, eventually becoming the dominant species on the planet.

Later in the story, the descendants of the original human colonists, who had been in cryosleep, awaken to find a vastly changed world. They must then navigate their relationship with the advanced spider civilization and the environmental challenges of Austras. The planet serves as a microcosm for Tchaikovsky's exploration of intelligence, evolution, and the potential consequences of unintended technological intervention. Austras's environment is depicted as diverse, with varied ecosystems supporting its unique flora and fauna.