luminagas

Luminagas is a fictional energy source that appears in the science fiction novel "The City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau. It is the primary and only source of light and power for the underground city of Ember. The inhabitants of Ember rely entirely on luminagas for their survival and daily functioning.

The nature of luminagas is not fully explained within the book, but it is understood to be a combustible gas that is piped throughout the city. It powers everything from the streetlights and homes to the city's essential machinery, such as the river pumps and the Pipeworks. The generation and distribution of luminagas are managed by the city's Pipeworks department, a vital but often understaffed and deteriorating part of Ember's infrastructure.

A significant plot point in "The City of Ember" revolves around the dwindling supply of luminagas. The lights in the city begin to flicker and fail, plunging parts of Ember into darkness and creating a sense of panic among its citizens. This crisis highlights the fragility of their existence and the urgent need for a solution. The discovery of the city's ancient plans by the protagonists, Lina and Doon, is directly linked to understanding how to create more luminagas or find an alternative source of power. The ultimate fate of Ember and its people is tied to their ability to manage and replenish their luminagas supply.