Miridian

Miridian is a fictional terrestrial planet in the Miridian system, a component of the outer regions of the Vespera sector in common space opera lore. It orbits a yellow-white star and completes an orbit in roughly 1.3 Earth years. Surface gravity is similar to Earth, and the climate varies by latitude and altitude.

Geographically, Miridian features three major landmasses separated by sea, plus multiple archipelagos. Its terrain ranges from temperate forests and grasslands to arid deserts and highland mesas, with mountain ranges and extensive river networks shaping regional climates. The polar regions host ice caps that expand and retreat with the seasons.

Miridian was first mapped by interstellar survey ships in the early 23rd century. Permanent settlements were established by a coalition of starfarers in the mid- to late 23rd century, and the planet later joined a regional governance framework known as the Vespera Accord.

Economic activity centers on miridian ore, a dense mineral valued for energy storage and high-strength alloys. Ore deposits are concentrated in polar belts and highland basins, supporting a modest export economy. Mining and processing raise environmental concerns and shape policy.

Society on Miridian is culturally diverse, with communities descended from multiple homeworlds. The capital city is Halden Prime, and a common lingua franca for trade is a version of Galactic Standard. Research institutions and universities are prominent, contributing to astronomical and planetary sciences.