Planetables

Planetables are a hypothetical concept within certain speculative fiction narratives, often described as artificial celestial bodies or massive engineered structures designed to house or mimic planetary environments. These structures are typically depicted as being of immense scale, capable of supporting complex ecosystems and potentially even civilizations. The term itself suggests a fusion of "planet" and "table," implying a flat or contained world, though variations exist where they may be spherical or other geometric shapes.

The creation of planetables in these stories often stems from advanced technological capabilities, allowing for the manipulation of gravity, atmosphere, and resource management on an unprecedented level. They can serve various purposes within these narratives, such as providing a new home for a species facing extinction, a controlled research environment, or a luxurious dwelling for an elite group. The feasibility and ethical implications of constructing and maintaining such massive artificial worlds are frequent themes explored in the stories featuring planetables. Their existence remains firmly within the realm of science fiction, with no known basis in current scientific understanding or technological capacity.