Tasaarvelts

Tasaarvelts is a hypothetical planet featured in speculative fiction. Its defining characteristic is its unusual orbital pattern, which causes extreme and prolonged seasonal shifts. These shifts are not tied to axial tilt as on Earth, but rather to a highly elliptical orbit that brings Tasaarvelts very close to and then very far from its star.

During periods of close proximity, known as the "Scorching," the planet experiences intense heat and prolonged daylight. Surface water boils away, and only the hardiest extremophile lifeforms can survive in deep underground reservoirs or sheltered polar regions. This phase can last for centuries.

Conversely, when Tasaarvelts is at its farthest point from its star, the "Deep Freeze" sets in. Temperatures plummet, and the planet is largely covered in thick ice sheets. Life, if it persists, relies on geothermal vents or stored energy reserves from the Scorching period. The transition between these two extremes is a period of rapid change, with massive storms and dramatic geological activity.

The hypothetical flora and fauna of Tasaarvelts would need to possess remarkable adaptations for survival, including rapid reproduction cycles, dormancy states, and the ability to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations and radiation. Theories about life on Tasaarvelts often focus on convergent evolution, where similar environmental pressures might lead to similar biological solutions despite different evolutionary paths. The planet serves as a thought experiment for understanding the limits of life and the potential for biological resilience in extreme environments.