Vredens

Vredens is a fictional celestial body featured in the science fiction novel "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir. Within the narrative, Vredens is a planet orbiting the star Tau Ceti, a real star located about 12 light-years from Earth. Vredens is significant because it is the home planet of the Eridians, an alien species that has developed a mutually beneficial relationship with humanity due to a shared biological imperative.

The Eridians, native to Vredens, are a species facing a slow decline due to a disease that causes their star-spanning civilization to crumble. They discover that the Astrophage, a microscopic life form that consumes stellar energy and poses a threat to Earth's sun, is also present on Vredens. This discovery leads them to seek contact with Earth, as they believe a collaborative effort might yield a solution for both species.

Vredens itself is described as a planet with a different atmospheric composition and gravitational pull than Earth, requiring specialized equipment for human visitors. The planet's environment is adapted to support Eridian life, which has evolved in unique ways. The interaction between Earth and Vredens, driven by the shared threat of Astrophage and the potential for scientific cooperation, forms a core element of the novel's plot.