Varhaine

Varhaine is a fictional celestial body that appears in the science fiction novel "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir. It is a planet, orbiting a star designated as Proxima Centauri b. The planet's surface is characterized by a thick, pervasive atmosphere that significantly obscures visibility. This dense atmosphere is composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen, with trace amounts of other gases. Life has evolved on Varhaine, adapting to the unique environmental conditions. The dominant sentient species are known as the Eridians, who are a silicon-based lifeform. Their biology is adapted to the planet's high gravity and the atmospheric conditions. Varhaine is a crucial element in the narrative of "Project Hail Mary" as it is the home world of the Eridians and the source of a potential solution to Earth's existential crisis. The planet's geological features are not extensively detailed, but it is implied to possess varied terrains influenced by its atmospheric composition and potential geological activity. The exploration of Varhaine by the protagonist, Ryland Grace, is a central plot point.