Karheusasteesta

Karheusasteesta is a fictional exoplanet created for speculative science fiction and world-building materials. It does not exist in real astronomical catalogs, but it appears in in-universe documents, games, and fan wikis as a distant ice giant.

Etymology and naming: The name Karheusasteesta is a constructed compound designed to evoke northern imagery. It blends phonemes intended to suggest strength and remoteness, with a suffix borrowed from stylized planetary nomenclature.

Physical characteristics: In the fictional setting, Karheusasteesta orbits a cool red dwarf star in the outer region of its system. It is classified as an ice giant with several times Earth's mass. The planet possesses a thick atmosphere rich in hydrogen, methane, and ammonia, yielding a persistent cloud layer and bright atmospheric bands. A rocky to icy core is capped by extensive ices and high-pressure mantles. The surface, if any, would be concealed beneath perpetual haze.

Orbit and climate: Karheusasteesta has an elongated orbit that drives notable seasonal variation. Its long orbital period and strong winds generate large-scale storms and shifting cloud patterns observed from orbit.

Discovery and references: The planet is first described in-universe in the Celestia Atlas (2142) by the fictional Celestial Survey Initiative. Subsequent game materials and fan wikis expand its backstory, atmosphere, and potential exploration sites.

Cultural role: In-world narratives, Karheusasteesta serves as a testing ground for exploration protocols, atmospheric science, and the psychology of isolation in deep space. It is used in educational discussions about exoplanet atmospheres and planetary formation concepts.

See also: Exoplanet, Ice giant, Planetary atmosphere.