Turanil
First Post
So, in the prospect of joining a sci-fi game, I have to describe a planet that will be added into a larger space setting. The thing is, I want it to be plausible and interesting from a scientific perspective. However, having little scientific knowledge, I would like to get other's imput on the matter.
My idea is a rocky moon of a gas giant much larger than Jupiter. This moon vaguely resembles Mars, but is bigger, and with a breathable atmosphere. Water covers less than 20% of the planet mostly in liquid form. The planet hasn't develpped a native life except some microbes and tiny organisms. Then, humans came and began some terraforming in introducing plants and animals. However, this mostly remains a barren desert planet (inspired from Dune and Tatooine).
Now, to make things different I thought the atmosphere would be 12% oxygen / 30% nitrogen / 57% helium / 1% other (Earth: 21% Oxygen / 78% Nitrogen / 1% other). Then, the atmosphere would be thinner than on earth, so breathable air is mostly available in deep canyons or crateres, and other low altitude places. My idea is that people coming from Earth, when on this planet have the benefit of a lesser gravity, but having less oxygen would offset that benefit. Now this is but speculation on my part, and I would like to know what scientific-minded people think about it. Then, I am wondering what would be side-effects of having such a different atmosphere (aside from fires being more difficult to start, and life having less opportunities to develop). Also, would I need to make a denser atmosphere to shield the planet's surface from the gas giant's radiation?
Well, any imput welcome.
My idea is a rocky moon of a gas giant much larger than Jupiter. This moon vaguely resembles Mars, but is bigger, and with a breathable atmosphere. Water covers less than 20% of the planet mostly in liquid form. The planet hasn't develpped a native life except some microbes and tiny organisms. Then, humans came and began some terraforming in introducing plants and animals. However, this mostly remains a barren desert planet (inspired from Dune and Tatooine).
Now, to make things different I thought the atmosphere would be 12% oxygen / 30% nitrogen / 57% helium / 1% other (Earth: 21% Oxygen / 78% Nitrogen / 1% other). Then, the atmosphere would be thinner than on earth, so breathable air is mostly available in deep canyons or crateres, and other low altitude places. My idea is that people coming from Earth, when on this planet have the benefit of a lesser gravity, but having less oxygen would offset that benefit. Now this is but speculation on my part, and I would like to know what scientific-minded people think about it. Then, I am wondering what would be side-effects of having such a different atmosphere (aside from fires being more difficult to start, and life having less opportunities to develop). Also, would I need to make a denser atmosphere to shield the planet's surface from the gas giant's radiation?
Well, any imput welcome.