Xanadi

Xanadi is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. It is the homeworld of the Moties, an alien species encountered by humanity. The planet is described as having a challenging environment, characterized by its high gravity and volatile atmosphere, which has significantly influenced the evolution and culture of the Moties.

The planet's orbit around its star, a red dwarf, is relatively close, leading to intense solar radiation and a generally arid surface. The Moties have adapted to these harsh conditions, developing a complex, technologically advanced civilization despite the limitations imposed by their home world. Their society is structured around a highly efficient and communal system, driven by the need to survive and expand in a resource-scarce environment.

Xanadi's geological features are also notable, with vast underground cave systems that the Moties extensively utilize for shelter and industry. These subterranean networks are crucial to their survival, protecting them from the planet's extreme surface conditions. The narrative of "The Mote in God's Eye" explores the interactions between humanity and the Moties, with Xanadi serving as a backdrop for understanding the Moties' unique biology, society, and their ambitious drive for interstellar expansion. The planet's conditions are a key factor in explaining the Moties' distinctive evolutionary path and their resourcefulness.