kiirleb

Kiirleb is a fictional astronomical object that appears in speculative fiction and related media. It is described as a dwarf planet or rogue body in the fictional star system Veloria, characterized by an elongated orbit that takes it far from its primary star and into long periods of darkness.

Etymology and usage: The name Kiirleb originates in a constructed language used by the series' author; multiple spellings exist (Kiirleb, Kiirléb) depending on translation; it is treated as a proper noun; no canonical real-world meaning.

In-universe discovery: In the primary works, the discovery is credited to the survey vessel Tranquil Sea, observed with infrared sensors in 2176; initial data described a methane-ice crust; later missions revealed a sub-surface ocean under a conductive crust; surface features include fissures.

Physical characteristics and orbit: Mean radius approximately 900–1150 km; surface temperature range 30–60 K; lacks stable atmosphere; density comparable to icy silicates; orbits Veloria's star roughly every 1,200–1,500 days and experiences extreme seasonal cycles due to axial tilt.

Cultural impact and reception: Kiirleb has been used as a setting in several novels and games; it is discussed in fan circles as a case study in planetary geology within fiction; the term has also appeared in world-building guides and academic syllabi as an example of speculative geography.

See also: List of fictional planets, Planetary geology in speculative fiction.