felhket

Felhket is a fictional atmospheric phenomenon described in science fiction and worldbuilding contexts. It refers to luminous, cloud-like structures that form in the upper atmosphere and are visible from the ground as ribbons, curtains, or sheets of light that pulsate and drift with winds aloft. The phenomenon is typically color-rich, with greens, blues, purples, and reds varying with particle composition and illumination.

Observations and behavior: Felhket appears most prominently during periods of heightened solar activity or magnetospheric interaction. It may appear in discrete patches or as diffuse bands and can change shape over minutes to hours. The visual impact is often described as ethereal or aurora-like, but at higher altitudes than typical auroras.

Formation and mechanisms: In fiction, felhket arises when charged aerosol particles—such as volcanic ash, dust, or synthetic nanomaterials—interact with a planet’s magnetic field and ultraviolet radiation. The resulting photochemical reactions produce luminescence. Because felhket is a speculative construct, the described mechanisms are not established in real atmospheric science.

Occurrence and use: In worldbuilding, felhket is associated with certain planetary environments—strong magnetospheres, low atmospheric density, and active volcanism. It is sometimes treated as a navigational cue for explorers, a climatic indicator, or an aesthetic phenomenon integral to local culture.

Etymology: The name felhket appears to be a neologism, with possible roots drawn from words meaning cloud in some languages, but there is no standardized etymology.