Illiós

Illiós is a type G2V star that forms the centre of the Illiós system. It is around this star than the Arterian home planet of Argo orbits at a distance of 250 million km.

The Illiós star, while similar in some respects to Earth's sun, is an exceptional G2V star. Its defining characteristic is a high level of magnetic activity, which manifests as a frequent and powerful output of solar superstorms. These events, far more common and intense than those experienced on Earth, have profoundly impacted the development of life and technology on Argo.

Solar Superstorms and Technological Limitation

The solar superstorms of Illiós are the primary reason for the severe limitations on electronic technology in the Analog Annals. These storms unleash massive bursts of high-energy particles and electromagnetic radiation, known as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which frequently bombard Argo. When a CME strikes the planet, it induces powerful currents in any conductive material. This effect, known as a geomagnetically induced current, is devastating to unshielded electronics, frying circuits and rendering complex devices inoperable.

As a result, Argan technology has evolved to be highly resilient and analog. Instead of relying on vulnerable digital microchips, Argan engineers have developed robust, mechanical, and pneumatic, hydrolic and otherwise mechanical systems. The use of vacuum tubes, relays, and other pre-transistor-era components is widespread, as these technologies are far more resistant to the effects of solar storms. This has led to a fascinating and unique technological landscape, where massive, clockwork-like computers and fossil fuel-powered vehicles coexist with advanced scientific concepts on non-electronical fields, such as chemistry and nuclear engineering.