Ineros

Ineros is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir. It is the homeworld of the Eridian species, also known as the "Eridians." Ineros is characterized by its unique atmospheric composition and gravitational pull, which have shaped the biology and evolution of its inhabitants. The planet orbits a star named Rocky, and its surface is known for extreme geological formations and a distinctively colored flora.

The Eridians, native to Ineros, are an intelligent, silicon-based lifeform. They possess a physiology adapted to their home world's conditions, including a strong exoskeleton and a complex internal system for processing nutrients. Their society is depicted as highly advanced, with a deep understanding of science and engineering, particularly in areas related to astrophysics and xenobiology. The Eridians have developed sophisticated technology, including interstellar travel.

A significant aspect of Ineros in the narrative is its role as the source of Astrophage, a microscopic organism that consumes stellar energy and poses an existential threat to stars. The depletion of Rocky, the sun of Ineros, by Astrophage is the primary catalyst for the events in "Project Hail Mary," driving the Eridians to seek a solution and ultimately leading to their collaboration with humanity. The planet's environment and its inhabitants are central to understanding the novel's plot and its themes of survival and interspecies cooperation.