Gestatia

Gestatia is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. The planet is home to a species of intelligent, giant spiders. Initially, it was intended to be terraformed by human colonists, but a catastrophic accident rendered the planet unsuitable for human life. Instead, the planet became the sole habitat for the spiders, who evolved rapidly under the influence of a nanovirus released during the terraforming process. This virus accelerated their evolution, leading to the development of complex societies, technology, and eventually, a civilization that rivals humanity.

The environment of Gestatia is described as lush and vibrant, with diverse ecosystems supporting the spiders' large size and complex needs. Over millennia, the spiders on Gestatia have developed advanced engineering and scientific capabilities. They have overcome numerous challenges, including natural disasters and internal conflicts, to establish a stable and thriving society. Their evolution has led them to develop sophisticated forms of communication, art, and philosophy. The discovery of Gestatia and its inhabitants by the remnants of humanity forms a central conflict in the narrative, as both species grapple with their place in the universe and their potential for coexistence or conflict. The planet serves as a testament to the adaptability and potential of non-human intelligence.