Starfield is a sci-fi RPG game that features over 1000 planets to explore. But are these planets based on real science or pure fiction?
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Starfield is one of the most anticipated games of 2023, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, the creators of Fallout and The Elder Scrolls series. The game is set in the 22nd century, where humanity has colonized the galaxy and formed various factions and alliances.
The player can create their own character and customize their spaceship, and explore over 1000 planets and moons in the game’s vast open world.
But how realistic are these planets? Are they based on real science or pure fiction? How did the developers create such a diverse and immersive galaxy? we will try to answer these questions and more, by looking at some of the major planets in Starfield and comparing them with real-world astronomy and physics.
Earth is the home planet of humanity and the headquarters of the United Colonies, one of the main factions in Starfield. Earth is also the location of the Spaceport, a massive orbital station that serves as a hub for interstellar travel. Earth is obviously based on the real planet we live on, but it is not exactly the same as we know it.
The game takes place in a different timeline, where some historical events have changed or never happened. The game also features some futuristic technologies and structures, such as fusion reactors, space elevators, and arcologies.
Akila is a desert planet in the Alpha Centauri system, and the home of the Freestar Collective, another major faction in Starfield. Akila is a harsh and unforgiving world, where water is scarce and sandstorms are frequent. The planet has a thin atmosphere and high gravity, making it difficult for humans to breathe and move. The Freestar Collective is a group of rebels and outcasts who value freedom and independence above all else. They live in makeshift settlements and scavenge for resources.
Akila is loosely based on Proxima b, a real exoplanet orbiting Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our sun. Proxima b is about 1.3 times the mass of Earth and orbits within the habitable zone of its star, meaning it could potentially have liquid water on its surface. However, Proxima b is also subject to intense stellar flares and radiation from its star, which could make it uninhabitable for life as we know it.
Gagarin is an ice planet in the Sirius system, and the home of the Crimson Fleet, a mysterious and powerful faction in Starfield. Gagarin is a frozen wasteland, where temperatures can drop below -200°C. The planet has a thick atmosphere and low gravity, making it easy for humans to fly with jetpacks. The Crimson Fleet is a secretive organization that controls a massive fleet of spaceships and weapons. They are rumored to have access to alien technology and ancient secrets.
Gagarin is loosely based on Gliese 710 b, a real exoplanet orbiting Gliese 710, a star that is expected to pass near our solar system in about 1.3 million years. Gliese 710 b is about 2.8 times the mass of Earth and orbits far away from its star, making it extremely cold and dark. It is unlikely that Gliese 710 b has any life or atmosphere.
Jemison is a jungle planet in the Epsilon Eridani system, and the home of the Xenofauna Preservation Society (XPS), a minor faction in Starfield. Jemison is a lush and vibrant world, where exotic plants and animals thrive. The planet has a moderate atmosphere and gravity, making it comfortable for humans to live. The XPS is a group of scientists and conservationists who study and protect the native wildlife of Jemison. They are opposed to any exploitation or destruction of the planet’s ecosystem.
Jemison is loosely based on Epsilon Eridani b, a real exoplanet orbiting Epsilon Eridani, a star that is similar to our sun but younger. Epsilon Eridani b is about 1.5 times the mass of Jupiter and orbits within the habitable zone of its star, meaning it could have moons with liquid water on its surfaces. However, Epsilon Eridani b is also subject to frequent asteroid impacts and dust storms from its star’s debris disk, which could make it unstable and hazardous.
Conclusion
These are just some of the many planets that you can visit in Starfield. Each planet has its own unique features, challenges, and opportunities, making the game a rich and diverse experience. The developers have done a remarkable job of creating a realistic and immersive galaxy, based on real science and astronomy, but also adding their own creative twists and surprises.
Whether you want to explore, fight, trade, or role-play, Starfield has something for everyone. Starfield was released on PC and Xbox Series X/S. Order your copy today and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
