Otheta

Otheta is a fictional exoplanet in the Othean system, created for use in science fiction media and educational materials to illustrate ocean-world geophysics and planetary habitability. The planet is described as a temperate, water-rich world with a global ocean and relatively modest atmospheric pressure, orbiting a sun-like star at a distance that places it within the habitable zone.

Discovery and naming: In the fictional canon, Otheta was identified by the Interstellar Survey Initiative in 2147 using a combination of space-based telescopes and radar mapping. The name Otheta combines a designation prefix with theta, a Greek letter used in orbital and cartographic conventions within the setting.

Geography and geology: Otheta measures slightly larger than Earth, with a global ocean covering most of the surface and shallow continents forming scattered archipelagos. The seafloor shows active tectonics with seafloor spreading ridges and hydrothermal activity. The atmosphere is modest, supporting stable weather and persistent cloud bands around the equator.

Climate and biosphere: The climate is broadly temperate, with moderate winds and defined ocean currents that distribute heat. The biosphere is dominated by aquatic and coastal life, including bioluminescent organisms and complex vent communities. No large land-dwelling fauna is described in the core canon, though life is considered diverse in the oceans.

Exploration and significance: Otheta has been used in simulations to study ocean dynamics, climate stability, and the potential for life in globally oceanic worlds. It serves as a case study in planetary habitability and the challenges of sustaining human activity on an ocean world.