Exan

Exan is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "Chronicles of Xylos" by Arthur Penhaligon. The planet is described as a harsh, arid world located in the Kepler-186 system. Exan is characterized by its extreme temperatures, with scorching days and frigid nights due to its eccentric orbit and thin atmosphere. The surface is dominated by vast deserts of red sand, punctuated by jagged rock formations and canyons.

Life on Exan is scarce and has adapted to the extreme conditions. The native flora consists of hardy, low-lying plants with thick, waxy leaves that store water. The fauna includes resilient insectoids and small, burrowing mammals that are primarily nocturnal. The planet's atmosphere is thin and composed mainly of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, making it largely unbreathable for humans without specialized equipment.

Historically, Exan was once a more temperate world with flowing rivers and diverse ecosystems, as evidenced by ancient fossil records. A catastrophic cosmic event, detailed in the novel, is believed to have stripped away much of its atmosphere and irrevocably altered its climate. In "Chronicles of Xylos," Exan serves as a refuge for a group of human colonists seeking to escape a dying Earth, who must overcome the planet's formidable challenges to survive. The novel explores themes of resilience, adaptation, and humanity's relationship with hostile environments.