Classification of Planets
The Planetary Classification System is a method of labelling planet types according to a letter. Those classes closer to the letter "M" are more likely to be able to sustain life, conversely the further away from "M" the planet designation is, the less likely it is to support or sustain life.
CLASS: A
EXAMPLE: Jupiter
SURFACE: Not always present
DESCRIPTION:
Failed star, may radiate heat. Methane or other gaseous
atmosphere. Unsuitable for supporting standard humanoid life.
CLASS: B
EXAMPLE: Neptune
SURFACE: Not always present
DESCRIPTION:
Similar to a class A planet but it lacks the processes that
enable it to produce heat. Unsuitable for supporting standard humanoid life.
CLASS: C
EXAMPLE: Venus
SURFACE: Not always present, but the atmosphere is extremely dense.
DESCRIPTION:
These planets have very high surface temperatures combined with
a very dense atmosphere which usually destroys unshielded craft trying to penetrate
the lower levels of the atmosphere. Unsuitable for supporting standard humanoid
life.
CLASS: D
EXAMPLE: Small, rocky planetoids, for example, an asteroid
SURFACE: Iron silicates, ice, various other elements dependent on type
DESCRIPTION:
Asteroids are pieces of debris left over from the formation of
the universe, or the destruction of planets. Depending on their orbit and position
they can be adapted to support life using pressure domes.
CLASS: E
EXAMPLE: Janus IV
SURFACE: Silicates, metals
DESCRIPTION:
Class E planets have a molten core, and a very abrasive
oxidising atmosphere, they can be adapted to support life using pressure domes.
CLASS: F
EXAMPLE: Beta 7
SURFACE: Silicate, various metals.
DESCRIPTION:
Class F planets are very young stars. They commonly have an abrasive oxidising atmosphere, as the forces
which shaped them are still acting on the planet. They usually experience
seismic activity
CLASS: G
EXAMPLE: Ceti-Alpha 7
SURFACE: Silicate.
DESCRIPTION:
A desert planet, plagued by high temperatures, and a thin
abrasive oxidising atmosphere. The high temperature usually leads to the formation
of various silicate compounds (resembling sand) and stops the environment from
becoming more suitable to support life. Standard humanoid life may be able to exist
on a Class G world depending on the atmosphere's content, and temperatures
CLASS: H
EXAMPLE: Tau Cygna V
SURFACE: Silicate, various metals.
DESCRIPTION:
Class H planets closely resemble Class G worlds with the
addition of noticeable seismic activity. These planets often rip themselves apart.
They are extremely dry although can sometimes be habitable.
CLASS: I
EXAMPLE: Excaliba
SURFACE: Metalic
DESCRIPTION:
These planets have no obvious surface. They are small young
planets, with sizable gravity wells due to their density. These planets are
unsuitable for supporting standard humanoid life.
CLASS: J
EXAMPLE: The Moon
SURFACE: Silicate
DESCRIPTION:
Class J planets may have been asteroids once caught in the
orbit of large planets. They often acquire a very thin atmosphere of inert gases,
and are often suitable for colonization using pressure domes.
CLASS: K
EXAMPLE: Mars
SURFACE: Silicate
DESCRIPTION:
These are often planets that were once class M but atmospheric
changes have made them uninhabitable. This or their proximity to a star, was just to
far, to support the formation of better atmospheres. They usually contain water, and
can be adapted for colonization using pressure domes. Some forms of humanoid life
may be able to survive in this atmosphere. The atmosphere may resemble class M
conditions, or may consist of other elements.
CLASS: L
EXAMPLE: Psi 2000
SURFACE: Silicate/water
DESCRIPTION:
Class L planets have an abrasive oxidising atmosphere, which
often contains water. They have a oxygen-argon atmosphere and are geologically
inactive, their core having become solid a millennia ago, and are usually
approaching the end of their lives. They may be suitable for colonization with
pressure domes, although are prone to geological activity. The form of life most
likely to be found on these planets are plant life.
CLASS: M
EXAMPLE: Earth
SURFACE: Silicate, salts, water, soil
DESCRIPTION:
Geologically active, and having a majority of water these
planets can be colonized without pressure domes or specialised equipment, and
support the majority of life in the known galaxy. The atmosphere usually contains
oxygen and nitrogen.
CLASS: N
EXAMPLE: Posideous
SURFACE: Water
DESCRIPTION:
Class N planets are usually water worlds, having no solid land
at all. They have been known to support a number of marine life forms with similar
intelligence to our own, and several are federation members. The atmosphere may
support humanoid life, as it contains oxygen and nitrogen, but also carbon dioxide,
which may make it unsuitable for humans. These planets can be colonized by floating
cities, though tidal activity normally prohibits this.
CLASS: S
EXAMPLE: Bader Beta 10
SURFACE Near Star
DESCRIPTION:
Planets of this class are usually found in a star's "cold zone". They are
typically 50 million to 120 million kilometers in diameter and have high core
temperatures causing them to radiate heat and light. These are the largest
possible planets, because most planetary bodies that reach this size do become
stars.
CLASS: T
EXAMPLE: Bruedon Epsilon 5
SURFACE Gas Ultra giant
DESCRIPTION:
Planets of this class are usually found in a star's "cold zone". They are
typically 10 to 50 million kilometers in diameter. They have high core temperatures
causing them to produce enough heat to keep water in a liquid state.