Battlestar Wiki - User contributions [en]

Marvel Super Special 8: Battlestar Galactica

2006-09-17T22:06:56Z

OM:

{{separate continuity|tos=y}}
{{Comic Data
| image = superspecial.jpg
| title=Marvel Super Special #8: Battlestar Galactica
| series=Marvel Comics
| issueno=N/A
| episode=[[Saga of a Star World]]
| writer=Roger McKenzie
| penciller=Ernie Colon
| inker=Ernie Colon
| colorist=Ernie Colon
| letterer=Jim Novak
| editor=Richard E. Marschall
| cover=Bob Larkin
| published=
| collects=
| collected=[[Saga of a Star World (Trade Paperback)|Saga of a Star World]]
| reprints=
| reprinted=[[Battlestar Galactica (1979 Comic)|Battlestar Galactica]], [[Exodus!]] and [[Deathtrap!]]
| isbn=
| prev= N/A
| next= N?A
}}

Graphic novel adaptation of the [[Saga of a Star World]] theatrical movie. Later broken up to become issues 1-3 of the Marvel Comics "Battlestar Galactica" title. Per writer Roger McKenzie in a ''Comics Reader'' interview, this was an adaptation of one version of the final script of the pilot, with Serina still listed as Lyra, and no rescue scene for Cassiopea.

{{mstub}}
[[Category:Comics]]

Talk:Kent McCord/Archive 1

2006-09-07T00:39:01Z

OM:

==McCord As Apollo?==

...Probably ought to discuss this before adding the rumor, but has anyone else besides me and John Larocque heard the rumor that Kent McCord was one of the actors who were finalists for the role of Apollo in the OS?--[[User:OM|OM]] 19:39, 6 September 2006 (CDT)

Talk:Cyrannus/Archive 1

2006-09-07T00:33:22Z

OM: /* Citations */

I moved this to the discussion page, because I have some questions about the validity of this part of text:

:Hey, My name Is Lane

:Me And My Dad Came Up With A Way This Could Work.

:You See IT IS POSSIBLE To Have 3 ORBITS Within A "Life-Zone" According To Everything We Are Coming Up With There Could Be Up To 4 Planets In 1 Orbit So Therefore You Could Have 12 Planets In The Orbits Of What Would Be Say VENUS,EARTH, And MARS

This sounds slightly plausable, though I have my doubts as to how 12 planets could be crammed in the orbits of Earth, Venus and Mars without adversely affecting each other with their gravimetric mass...

Though here's my primary issue...

My issue is that no actual link to a paper or entry on the Internet (or Wikipedia for that matter) is provided in support of this assertion.

To be honest, I also have an issue with how this is written. I'm not in the business of being a card holding member of the Grammar Nitpicking committee, since I am also imperfect on many levels, however this sticks out like a sore thumb when I read over the rest of the entry. It just doesn't fit...

So, until someone can provide me with some sort of technical / scientific paper on this, I'm not willing to include this above content, in any way, shape or form.

--[[User:Joe.Beaudoin|Joe Beaudoin]] 23:34, 26 Feb 2005 (EST)

Joe, never accept this. A 12 year old would be able to tell you that such a concept is ridiculous. Also how do you define a lifezone? It can't be done! [[User:Jxh487|Jxh487]] 17:14, 21 August 2006 (CDT)jxh487

**Why is everyone speculating that the home system of the 12 Colonies had to have more than one star?! They've never said anything like that. Why is it so hard to believe that they just happen to have 12 inhabitable planets in one solar system? Ron D. Moore has STATED in his blog that they are in one system, and that they are ALL inhabitable (whether they were FOUND like that or terraformed I'm not sure). What's the point of contention here? ---Ricimer, October 5, 2005
::It's scientifically implausible to cram twelve planets into the habitabe zone of a single star. Three would be pushing it. Making the Colonial's home system a binary star obviates the need to suggest terafforming capabilities belied by the colonials' otherwise low-tech abilities. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 12:18, 5 October 2005 (EDT)

:::Not everything in BSG is or will be scientifically accurate, just plausible. The Colonies and their arrangement is a holdback from the original series, so this is a 30+ year argument that still has no answer. At least RDM has practically acknowledged that this isn't the cleanest scientific possibility. I'm for the binary or trinary system configuration. It may also be possible for some of Colonies to be inhabitable Earth-sized satellites of another planet in a double-planet configuration. We can make up anything to fit them into a large solar system, really, based on what we do know about astronomy. But mind you, the Colonials have FTL travel, we don't. Ficticious as they are, they may know more about certain aspects of their worlds they we can presume until presented the subject in a show. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:23, 5 October 2005 (EDT)

==On the Goldilocks Zone, and the 'n'-body Problem==
:I agree with Peter Farago, for once. Information on other Wiki sources, like the one on the [[Wikipedia:Habitable Zone|Goldilocks Zone]] of a star, clearly say that there is a very small region about any particular star, depending on that star's size, heat, type, etc. in which an Earth-like planet may retain open bodies of water, and hence life. However, there is no guarantee that the process of planet formation will produce even ''one'' significant body of mass within the hypothetical zone about any particular star. The fact of the matter is that the planetary system about which we know the most (our own) has produced at ''best'' only two or three planets within this Goldilocks Zone, of which only one (guess which) has produced and sustained life as we know it. However, the definition of a planet is ambiguous at best, I believe a more accurate interpretation of the likelihood that any body will form in the Goldilocks Zone can be obtained from an analysis of the distribution of ''mass'' in our Solar Sytem. Looking at our system from the distribution of mass, it is painfully clear that only a very small portion of the available material of our planetary system during its incipient stages coalesced into planets anywhere near the habitable zone of the sun. It is not at all certain that ''any'' material in some other planetary system would coalesce in a similar pattern. Those who are interested in this topic should look up ''[http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0387952896/qid=1128543927/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-7567430-0146234?v=glance&s=books Rare Earth]'' by Peter Ward. In anycase, the Goldilocks Zone is really ancillary to the topic at hand.

:What is really confusing people here, I think, is the concept of the [[Wikipedia:N-body problem|n-body problem]]. I'm no expert on this (far from it), but basically two planet-sized objects will not be able to maintain themselves for very long if they occupy a single orbit about a star - eventually the gravitational interactions between the two planets and the planets and the sun will destabilize one or both of the planets. An exception to this rule is embodied in the concept of the [[Wikipedia:Lagrangian Point|Lagrange Point]] (also called the ''restricted'' three-body problem), which hinges on the condition that one of these three hypothetical bodies has ''negligent mass'' (and therefore negligent gravity). The Lagrange points should be familiar to fans of the [[Wikipedia:Gundam|Gundam]] anime series; the five colonies occupy the five "stable" Lagrange points.

:This is why, whenever you hear on the news about some large asteroid which ''might'' pass near the Earth in forty years or something - it's not possible to predict the orbits of ''any'' body in the universe with absolute certainty. This ''isn't due'' to imperfect information, it's simply a mathematical fact. This doesn't mean that our estimation of these orbits can't be very good - this is what astronomers are paid to do. But there is always some mathematical error in these estimations.

:So why am I blabbering on about the n-body problem? Because large, inert bodies of mass (read, habitable planets) which can not correct their orbits continuously to maintain some exotic orbit will eventually destabilize due to the gravitational disturbances which are the natural result of the n-body problem. Peter Ward is doubtful that even a single planet might form in the very restricted Goldilocks Zone about any particular star; but two, ''three'', '''''twelve?''''' Read up on the formation of our own large [[Wikipedia:Giant impact theory|moon]], which was apparently formed from a tremendous impact between our planet and another Mars-sized object which was occupying the same orbit for hundreds of millions of years, until they destabilized and collided.

:The Twelve Colonies are certainly situated in stable orbits about twelve ''separate'' stars, with no other significant bodies of mass within or anywhere near their orbit. As to the arrangement of these stars, I'll leave that for another day.
::''[[User:Jzanjani|Jzanjani]] 17:04, 5 October 2005 (EDT)''

:::''I agree with Peter Farago, for once.'' oh, come on, we have one fight and suddenly we're worst enemies? I don't resent your work here, and I hope you don't resent mine. Good things come out of discussion. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 17:46, 5 October 2005 (EDT)

==Zodiac==

<blockquote>''However, the revelations presented in [[The Raid|The Raid]] make it clear that the [[Twelve_Colonies|Twelve Colonies]] are not located in a single star system; in fact, each individual colony is situated in a separate [[Wikipedia:Zodiac|Zodiacal]] constellation, as viewed from Earth. This would place the [[#Twelve_Colonies|Colonies]] many [[Wikipedia:Light-year|light-years]] apart.'' 

''A more realistic explanation of the importance of Cyrannus in the mythology of the [[Battlestar Galactica %28RDM%29|reimagined series]] may be that it was the original destination of the [[History of the Twelve Colonies|Twelve Tribes]], perhaps a single star system predesignated as the future home of humanity. Presumably, some later event prevented the Tribes from reaching Cyrannus, causing the subsequent diaspora. However the issue of the [[History of the Twelve Colonies|early history]] of the Colonies is still under debate and considerably murky (see the [[Sacred_Scrolls#The_.22Three_Exodi.22_Interpretation|Three Exodi Interpretation]] of the Sacred Scrolls).''</blockquote>

This is completely innacurate. The thirteenth tribe identified star patterns and matched them to the symbols of the twelve colonies; the colonies were not located in the constellations themselves. Otherwise earth would be directly in the center of them, its location not remotely mysterious, and it would actually take longer to travel from one colony to another than from one colony to earth. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 02:18, 5 October 2005 (EDT)

:A further strike against this edit is that the Colonies had many sub-light ships as shown in the mini-series. They had sufficient speed to gather with Roslin's rescue fleet over the few hours as Boomer (in an FTL-capable Raptor) or other ships located them, suggesting the distances (and number of ships) were small. For the Colonies to be as separated as suggested in that edit would make sub-light travel impossible since each colony would be too distant. Such travel would take months or years, instead of days or a couple of weeks. This is also presuming that only the space surrounding Caprica was searched, but space is BIG and time would still be a factor in a sub-light ship. Based on an earlier script of the mini-series, RDM considered the idea of making a single planet, Kobol, the home for all Colonies that would behave more as sovereign states like the U.S. When that idea didn't fit into the plan, RDM decided to go back to the TOS concept of separate planets in a single system. This is highly improbable to have so many inhabitable planets in such a fashion, astronomically, but it was one detail that the writers (and viewers) had to take as given (not that they would be much left of the Colonies to argue about this, anyway). [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:14, 5 October 2005 (EDT)

== Merged Content and Other Changes ==

I merged the two relatively identical articles for Cyrannus into a single article and deleted unfounded speculation on its use in the RDM continuity as there is NO aired or deleted scene content I have found that uses the name to describe the solar system in the RDM continuity. The term has been used in the 2003 Video Game and the Original Series (albeit confusingly). Double redirects have been corrected. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 09:53, 19 January 2006 (EST)

== Factuality of "New" Planet Definitions ==

A recent edit from Troyian has added the recent adjustments in planetary definitions that, I think, might have been defined or under consideration by the IAU. Despite this data, the world of BSG is '''NOT''' necessarily the Milky Way we exist in. Contributors normally draw comparisons and contrasts to our actual galaxy as well as the fictional universe of Galactica. While the scientist's definitions may be relevant to our galaxy, they may not work well here for one sourced reason: At the miniseries conclusion, [[Elosha]] tells the assembly that the Lords of Kobol led the Twelve Tribes to the '''"12 worlds"''' that would form the Colonies. Not "planetoids," "minor planets," or other stuff. While it ''is'' probable that not all of them are 100% Earthlike, all must be sufficiently habitable and resource-rich, and around 1 to 1.5 G. Otherwise, the colonial wars noted in back-history before the [[Articles of Colonization]] would make little sense, nor would many other socialogical and technical notes. For the most part, it seemed that these wars may have been stalemated or easily overmatched. The scientist's notes just don't fit with BSGs mentality or the peoples shown, who apparently don't have to adjust dramatically to major changes in climate (based on what we have seen). Comments? --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:59, 21 August 2006 (CDT)

:Adding 3 new planets to the current 9: Ceres, Charon, and Xena, to make 12 is irrelevant. While the debate over "well were these "planets" Earth-like or some other definition of a "planet"?" is affected, it's not like "wow, there's 12 planets in the solar system now, maybe we're the 12 Colonies": You can't physically stand on Jupiter or Saturn or another gas giant. Ganymede, Europa, and Titan are far more like "Planets" in that respect, in which case there would easily be more.--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 17:41, 21 August 2006 (CDT)

::The latest update is that we may be down to eight planets. The IAU meeting has been very interesting. --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 19:14, 22 August 2006 (CDT)

== Citations ==
I've added several {{tl|citation needed}} entries to the article. I just wanted to comment that [[Wikipedia:Alpha Centauri]] is similarly adorned, and [[Wikipedia:Beta Centauri]] contradicts the distance given here. As such, I would like to emphasize that, per [[BW:CJ]], Wikipedia ''per se'' is not a valid source. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 02:55, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

----

...Three points:

1) Cite link to press release re: the formation & size limit for moons of gas giants is now added. Should have added that right off the bat, but the link I had wasn't working. I've added a different link that does work, although it's not the one that was originally on the SWRT site. Don't know where that one went to

2) In some cases, Wikipedia entries *are* valid sources. In this case, the entries for the Centauri stars matches what's being taught in the schools these days, and some of the contributors are professional and amateur astronomers with valid reputations.

3) WRT the B Centauri distance "discrepancy", add ~5 LY to the figure I posted in the entry here, and remember that the A Centauri pair and B Centauri are on a near LOS between B Cenauri and Sol, and that the pair is ~5 LY away from Sol. Simple math.

...Not that I really want to get into an argument over this, but sorry kids, but I don't subscribe to the "If it's on Wikipedia, it's automatically a big fat lie" dogma. If that were true, everything on *this* Wiki would be a "big fat lie" as well. As it is, you've let this bias and distrust overwhelm your need for cites. At the rate you're going, you'll be asking for a cite for every single letter and punctuation mark used :-P

I mean, seriously - Proxima's been known to be a Red Dwarf since even *I* was born. Asking for a cite for that is like asking for a cite that we have a Moon in the sky, and water is wet...

--[[User:OM|OM]] 03:54, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

----

...I've added cites to this section, although I'm convinced that some of these cite demands were a bit of overkill. Some cite demands were removed as previous cites rendered those redundant. One or two cite demands were not rational, IMHO, and were removed.

:(1) That is excellent.

:(2) Wikipedia is valid where it cites sources, per [[BW:CJ]], but not where it is coated in citation requests. As far as I recall, I didn't even help make that policy. I find the whole "sorry kids" thing mildly offensive, and I think you are intentionally confusing "On Wikipedia does not imply true." with "On Wikipedia implies false." to provide a straw man.

:(3) Adding 5 randomly is not something I would consider "[s]imple math." For that matter, adding another 5 to account for A Centauri doesn't make sense, as it reads 'Beta Centauri, although visibly "closer" to Alpha A and B, is actually some 520 light years distant' not '520 light years more distant.' For that matter, Wikipedia says both "approximately 525" and "530±50." Forgive me, but that error bound seems excessively large to even bother specifying a second significant digit, much less a third.

:(Un-numbered comments on the citation requests being excessive) I didn't know off-hand that Proxima is a Red Dwarf. As I am reasonably well-educated, I generally consider anything I don't know not to be general knowledge. If it is not general knowledge, it needs a citation.

:I do now see that the citation requests on "...astronomers are now divided..." was redundant with requesting cites on both divisions. I also think that the "...Yavin..." sentence was more irrelevant than in need of citation.

:I would note that I am delighted you took the time to completely source your large and clearly well-informed contribution. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 15:23, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

----

In order:

1) Yippee.

2) I honestly don't see a difference between the two. Granted, Wikipedia's gotten a lot of flack lately because of one corrupt politician having his entry updated to put a more positive spin on his abyssmal career - why Ted Kennedy hasn't done this yet escapes me - but as a result now every single article is suspect even if it has cites on it. CIP: one particular Wiki entry I referred to on another forum two years ago was viciously torn to shreds by two enthusiasts of the subject, claiming that all the cites were invalid because they linked to sites - gah, that sounds phonetically redundant - that were built and maintained by web authors who weren't "paid professionals" and/or "people who actually knew the guy". When pointed out that two of those used as cites were *relatives* of the person in question, those same two dips attempted to invalidate those cites on the grounds that the relations had a "falling out". I don't have time to play "Argument Clinic", which is why I've adopted the policy to treat Wikipedia as I'd treat Brittanica or World Book; as long as it passes Occam's Razor and at least sounds plausible, then I'll use it as a cite until I see concrete proof that it's wrong.

3) Tell you what, since you're the one dealing with semantics, I'll let you tweak that one as you see fit. The distance from Sol to B Centauri is ~525 LY according to aol sources I've found on the web save one, and that one entry was that one Wiki cite that has the +/-50 LY. I'll go with the majority here, and if you subtract ~5 LY from 525, you get 520. Again, I'll let you tweak the wording here as you see fit, and we'll go from there. Be advised that I'm not really interested in getting into a big war on this. Just keep the results accurate and it should work out.

4) I honestly learned that Proxima is a Red Dwarf in the 3rd grade, which was ~1970. My middle brother is a science teacher, and he verified this evening that his current series of authorized lecture notes - compiled from various textbooks - contains mention of the Centauri "trinary", and while still claiming that the system is a graviometrically linked trinary, they note specifically that Proxima is, you guessed it, a Red Dwarf.

To make matters more against your favor, I've personally called three strippers I know, and they not only knew that Proxima was a Red Dwarf, but so did their worthless boyfriends. And yea, one of them is an amateur astronomer who's more in love with his Celestron, but that's a different story altogether...:-P

5) I didn't see the "Yavin" mention as being irrelevant at all. The argument presented earlier in the entry called for habitable planets around gas giants. The most notable one seen on film has been, of course, Yavin IV. Unless the Yavin gas giant is about 6-7 times Jupiter mass, according to this theory Yavin IV can't be as habitable as we're led to believe in the film.

...In any case, this might be a lesson to you "Jihadists" that it's possible to be overzealous in your quest for accuracy. ISTR an old fable about a sculptor who kept chisling away at a piece of rare, expensive marble, looking for the true image hidden within, but because he didn't like any of the images he found, kept chisling until there wasn't anything left of his expensive marble.

:(2) If you want Wikipedia considered a valid source here, then bring it up on BW:CJ's talk page. I don't even know immediately how I would weigh in on the issue.

:(3) I suppose 525 is correct, then.

:(4) I'm sure that at several points I knew that particular tidbit. My three most conveniently located collegiate friends didn't know it, but our anecdotal evidence is not particularly germane; it's just not something everyone immediately knows. Very many people know what a [[Wikipedia:FN P90|P90]] looks like, but information about it is still linked from [[KEW]]. That way, others can readily personally verify the episode citation visually.

:(5) I don't see how mention of something similar in a different fictional universe is relevant to this particular article. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 22:02, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

:::Actually, ~525 is more accurate, and from what I've been able to gather due to the narrow parallax involved thanks to both Centauri systems being so visibly "adjacent", adding a +/-5 between "525" and "LY" could give the figure a little fudge room. If my sources at JPL are correct, when the Webb platform goes up in a few years, it should be able to get a bit more accuracy on this figure.

User talk:OM

2006-09-05T07:39:33Z

OM: /* NASA */

== Welcome to Battlestar Wiki! ==
[Form letter purged because OM hates getting form letters]

== Cites to "Cyrannus" ==

You have anything to cite this information? --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 23:52, 3 September 2006 (CDT)

:I've tagged as requiring citations the things I couldn't trivially verify, sentence-by-sentnce; ideally, a few tags can be replaced by one source. You certainly seem knowledgeable on the topic, and I hope you take the time to contribute sources. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 02:58, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

Cites added where applicable, although most of the cite demands were quite a bit of overkill on the part of this "Citation Jihad" felgercarb. It's one thing to ask for a general cite that covers most bases, or a cite to back a seriously controversial point, but some of those cite demands...well, at the rate you Jihadist daggits are going, next thing you know you'll be asking for a cite for each letter and p[cite]u[cite]n[cite]c[cite]t[cite]u[cite]a[cite]t[cite]i[cite]o[cite]n[cite] m[cite]a[cite]r[cite]k[cite].[cite]
:Never. :-) I made them work with our cite templates so no worries now. :-) --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 19:34, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

:"[I]deally, a few tags can be replaced by one source." --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 19:42, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

== NASA ==
I'm not going to mention your name, but are you the same "OM" that worked for NASA and now a news consultant? --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 14:13, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

[Insert Shocked At Absurdity Look]

...BWHAHAAAAHH! No, I'm not Jim Oberg. I'm OM, a space history colleague of Jim Oberg, tho. But then again, all of us on sci.space.history *are* Jim Oberg, according to the anti-NASA trolls. Good guess, tho, and besides, if I *were* JimO, do you think I'd have gotten hammered for that overkill on cites? --[[User:OM|OM]] 02:35, 5 September 2006 (CDT)
:Anti-NASA Trolls? Who could not like NASA? ;-) --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 19:34, 4 September 2006 (CDT)
::Quite a few, actually. Most of these dolts are simply venting their frustrations over their shame at being willingly molested as children. People like Bart Sibrel, Brad Guth, John Thomas Maxson, Tommy Lee Elfritz, etc, etc.--[[User:OM|OM]] 02:39, 5 September 2006 (CDT)
::I was spending a lot of time on some of those groups (lurking) following the Columbia disaster, so did I get you two confused? --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 19:41, 4 September 2006 (CDT)
:::Then you did see quite a few of my postings back then, especially for the five days following the loss of Columbia. I'm the poor sod who compiled that FAQ site with no sleep for those five days.--[[User:OM|OM]] 02:39, 5 September 2006 (CDT)

User talk:OM

2006-09-05T07:38:55Z

OM: /* NASA */

== Welcome to Battlestar Wiki! ==
[Form letter purged because OM hates getting form letters]

== Cites to "Cyrannus" ==

You have anything to cite this information? --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 23:52, 3 September 2006 (CDT)

:I've tagged as requiring citations the things I couldn't trivially verify, sentence-by-sentnce; ideally, a few tags can be replaced by one source. You certainly seem knowledgeable on the topic, and I hope you take the time to contribute sources. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 02:58, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

Cites added where applicable, although most of the cite demands were quite a bit of overkill on the part of this "Citation Jihad" felgercarb. It's one thing to ask for a general cite that covers most bases, or a cite to back a seriously controversial point, but some of those cite demands...well, at the rate you Jihadist daggits are going, next thing you know you'll be asking for a cite for each letter and p[cite]u[cite]n[cite]c[cite]t[cite]u[cite]a[cite]t[cite]i[cite]o[cite]n[cite] m[cite]a[cite]r[cite]k[cite].[cite]
:Never. :-) I made them work with our cite templates so no worries now. :-) --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 19:34, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

:"[I]deally, a few tags can be replaced by one source." --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 19:42, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

== NASA ==
I'm not going to mention your name, but are you the same "OM" that worked for NASA and now a news consultant? --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 14:13, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

[Insert Shocked At Absurdity Look]

...BWHAHAAAAHH! No, I'm not Jim Oberg. I'm OM, a space history colleague of Jim Oberg, tho. But then again, all of us on sci.space.history *are* Jim Oberg, according to the anti-NASA trolls. Good guess, tho, and besides, if I *were* JimO, do you think I'd have gotten hammered for that overkill on cites? --[[User:OM|OM]] 02:35, 5 September 2006 (CDT)
:Anti-NASA Trolls? Who could not like NASA? ;-) --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 19:34, 4 September 2006 (CDT)
::Quite a few, actually. Most of these dolts are simply venting their frustrations over their shame at being willingly molested as children. People like Bart Sibrel, Brad Guth, John Thomas Maxson, Tommy Lee Elfritz, etc, etc.
::I was spending a lot of time on some of those groups (lurking) following the Columbia disaster, so did I get you two confused? --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 19:41, 4 September 2006 (CDT)
:::Then you did see quite a few of my postings back then, especially for the five days following the loss of Columbia. I'm the poor sod who compiled that FAQ site with no sleep for those five days.

User talk:OM

2006-09-05T07:35:51Z

OM: /* NASA */

== Welcome to Battlestar Wiki! ==
[Form letter purged because OM hates getting form letters]

== Cites to "Cyrannus" ==

You have anything to cite this information? --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 23:52, 3 September 2006 (CDT)

:I've tagged as requiring citations the things I couldn't trivially verify, sentence-by-sentnce; ideally, a few tags can be replaced by one source. You certainly seem knowledgeable on the topic, and I hope you take the time to contribute sources. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 02:58, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

Cites added where applicable, although most of the cite demands were quite a bit of overkill on the part of this "Citation Jihad" felgercarb. It's one thing to ask for a general cite that covers most bases, or a cite to back a seriously controversial point, but some of those cite demands...well, at the rate you Jihadist daggits are going, next thing you know you'll be asking for a cite for each letter and p[cite]u[cite]n[cite]c[cite]t[cite]u[cite]a[cite]t[cite]i[cite]o[cite]n[cite] m[cite]a[cite]r[cite]k[cite].[cite]
:Never. :-) I made them work with our cite templates so no worries now. :-) --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 19:34, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

:"[I]deally, a few tags can be replaced by one source." --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 19:42, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

== NASA ==
I'm not going to mention your name, but are you the same "OM" that worked for NASA and now a news consultant? --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 14:13, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

[Insert Shocked At Absurdity Look]

...BWHAHAAAAHH! No, I'm not Jim Oberg. I'm OM, a space history colleague of Jim Oberg, tho. But then again, all of us on sci.space.history *are* Jim Oberg, according to the anti-NASA trolls. Good guess, tho, and besides, if I *were* JimO, do you think I'd have gotten hammered for that overkill on cites? --[[User:OM|OM]] 02:35, 5 September 2006 (CDT)
:Anti-NASA Trolls? Who could not like NASA? ;-) --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 19:34, 4 September 2006 (CDT)
::I was spending a lot of time on some of those groups (lurking) following the Columbia disaster, so did I get you two confused? --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 19:41, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

User talk:OM

2006-09-05T07:35:20Z

OM: /* NASA */

== Welcome to Battlestar Wiki! ==
[Form letter purged because OM hates getting form letters]

== Cites to "Cyrannus" ==

You have anything to cite this information? --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 23:52, 3 September 2006 (CDT)

:I've tagged as requiring citations the things I couldn't trivially verify, sentence-by-sentnce; ideally, a few tags can be replaced by one source. You certainly seem knowledgeable on the topic, and I hope you take the time to contribute sources. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 02:58, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

Cites added where applicable, although most of the cite demands were quite a bit of overkill on the part of this "Citation Jihad" felgercarb. It's one thing to ask for a general cite that covers most bases, or a cite to back a seriously controversial point, but some of those cite demands...well, at the rate you Jihadist daggits are going, next thing you know you'll be asking for a cite for each letter and p[cite]u[cite]n[cite]c[cite]t[cite]u[cite]a[cite]t[cite]i[cite]o[cite]n[cite] m[cite]a[cite]r[cite]k[cite].[cite]
:Never. :-) I made them work with our cite templates so no worries now. :-) --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 19:34, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

:"[I]deally, a few tags can be replaced by one source." --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 19:42, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

== NASA ==
I'm not going to mention your name, but are you the same "OM" that worked for NASA and now a news consultant? --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 14:13, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

[Insert Shocked At Absurdity Look]

...BWHAHAAAAHH! No, I'm not Jim Oberg. I'm OM, a space history colleague of Jim Oberg, tho. But then again, all of us on sci.space.history *are* Jim Oberg, according to the anti-NASA trolls. Good guess, tho, and besides, if I *were* JimO, do you think I'd have gotten hammered for that overkill on cites?{{Deliberately Unsigned|OM}}
:Anti-NASA Trolls? Who could not like NASA? ;-) --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 19:34, 4 September 2006 (CDT)
::I was spending a lot of time on some of those groups (lurking) following the Columbia disaster, so did I get you two confused? --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 19:41, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

Talk:Cyrannus/Archive 1

2006-09-05T00:49:00Z

OM: /* Citations */

User talk:OM

2006-09-05T00:28:12Z

OM: /* Cites to "Cyrannus" */

User talk:OM

2006-09-05T00:25:35Z

OM: /* Welcome to Battlestar Wiki! */

User talk:OM

2006-09-05T00:24:42Z

OM: /* NASA */

== Welcome to Battlestar Wiki! ==
Welcome to the Wiki, OM. Feel free to tell us about yourself on [[User:OM|your user page]]. Before you get started on other edits, please read the [[Battlestar Wiki:Standards and Conventions|Standards and Conventions]], which details the policies we use in editing pages (this differs from many other wikis in its particular use of verb tense, abbreviations, formatting, and the like). If you need help in learning how to use the MediaWiki tools supported here, you can check out the [[BW:TUT|tutorial]] and the [[BW:MARK|wiki markup code]] pages for assistance.

Please read the articles [[Battlestar Wiki:What is Battlestar Wiki|"What is Battlestar Wiki"]] and [[Battlestar Wiki:What Battlestar Wiki is not|"What Battlestar Wiki is Not."]] This important information details what contributions are acceptable in this encyclopedia.

We encourage you to participate in any [[Battlestar Wiki:Project List|projects]] on Battlestar Wiki, which work to enhance a particular subject or extension of the wiki. These include the [[Battlestar Wiki:Original Series Article Development Project|Original Series Article Development Project]] and several [[Battlestar Wiki:Translation Project|language translations of Battlestar Wiki]]. If you have a new idea for a new project, visit the [[BW:TANK|Think Tank]], where we hash out large-scale ideas before implementing them.

Also, if you have any questions or suggestions you wish to offer, please feel free to do so either on an article's talk page that's relevant to the subject, the [[Battlestar Wiki:Wikipedian Quorum|Wikipedian Quorum]] or [[Battlestar Wiki:Administrators' noticeboard|the Administrators' noticeboard]]. Remember to sign your posts on any talk pages using four tildes (~~~~)!

We look forward to your contributions to the community!
--[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 23:10, 3 September 2006 (CDT)

== Cites to "Cyrannus" ==

You have anything to cite this information? --[[User:Shane|Shane]] ([[User_Talk:Shane|T]] - [[Special:Contributions/Shane|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/Shane|E]]) 23:52, 3 September 2006 (CDT)

:I've tagged as requiring citations the things I couldn't trivially verify, sentence-by-sentnce; ideally, a few tags can be replaced by one source. You certainly seem knowledgeable on the topic, and I hope you take the time to contribute sources. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]]([[Special:Contributions/CalculatinAvatar|C]]-[[User talk:CalculatinAvatar|T]]) 02:58, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

== NASA ==
I'm not going to mention your name, but are you the same "OM" that worked for NASA and now a news consultant? --[[User:Gougef|FrankieG]] 14:13, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

[Insert Shocked At Absurdity Look]

...BWHAHAAAAHH! No, I'm not Jim Oberg. I'm OM, a space history colleague of Jim Oberg, tho. But then again, all of us on sci.space.history *are* Jim Oberg, according to the anti-NASA trolls. Good guess, tho, and besides, if I *were* JimO, do you think I'd have gotten hammered for that overkill on cites?

Talk:Cyrannus/Archive 1

2006-09-04T09:25:13Z

OM: /* Citations */

Cyrannus

2006-09-04T09:20:14Z

OM: /* Example of a Binary Star System */

{{NPOV}}
==Overview==

'''Cyrannus''' (also spelled "Cyranus") is the name of the solar system containing the worlds of the Twelve Colonies of Man in the [[Video Game|Battlestar Galactica video game]], published in 2003.

The 2003 video game has its own continuity (as opposed to the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] or [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]) that draws from elements of the Original Series and the [[Thousand Yahren War]] and elements apparently slated for the [[Battlestar Galactica (SDS)|first revival attempt of "Battlestar Galactica"]] as a new TV series by Bryan Singer and Tom DeSanto in 2001.

The name "Cyrannus" has also been used in one [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] episode, "[[The Long Patrol]]", but not to describe a solar system (see [[Cyrannus#Origin of the Name in the Original Series|the section on the use of the term in the Original Series]]).

*No aired episode of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] has used "Cyrannus" as the name of their solar system. Therefore, the [[canon|official name]] of the solar system of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]] for the Re-imagined Series is unknown.
*It's not known in the video game whether Cyrannus is a single star with multiple life-bearing planets, or a [[#Binary Stars|binary]], a trinary star system, or an [[#Open Star Clusters|open cluster]] of stars.

== The Problem of Cyrannus and 12 Earth-like planets ==

While it has been ascertained through searches undertaken from both the surface of the Earth and the [[Wikipedia:Hubble_Space_Telescope|Hubble Space Telescope]] that there are a large number of planets orbiting sunlike stars in our galaxy, most of the planets discovered to date are clssified as gas giants, similar in size and potentialy in composition as the planet [[Wikipedia:Jupiter_%28planet%29|Jupiter]] in our own solar system. However, it is very hard for modern telescopes to discern Earth-sized worlds, so currently gas giants are the main planets being discovered.

Further, it is believed that there is a very narrow band of space around a star that will encourage the formation of life-bearing planets (the so-called "Goldilocks Zone"). This is a region of space where the heat from the sun is neither too hot nor too cold to allow for the stable presence of liquid water, which is a prerequisite for the natural development of life through chemical and then organic means (life on Earth, at any rate). However, it is possible, albeit unlikely, that all of the Twelve Worlds are on the same orbital path that goes through this zone.

Some fans have claimed that is highly improbable that a single star would have no fewer than twelve planets and moons orbiting a star within the "zone of life" for that star. Moreover, they claim that a system with this many planets would probably be dynamically unstable. However, that is dependent on the definition of a planet. A recent proposal has defined a planet as "a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around a star, and is neither a star nor a satellite of a planet." Under this definition, bodies that would originally have been considered nothing more than spherical asteroids are now classified as "dwarf planets."

It is possible that the Twelve Colonies could be composed mostly of dwarf planets, which are small enough to all fit in the so-called "Goldilocks Zone". Then the only problem would be gravity and the Colonials obviously have artificial gravity technology. They could also have the ability to carry out considerable [[Wikipedia: Terraforming|terraforming]].

A limited degree of terraforming is possible even with Earth-level technology, however, so it is not entirely implausible. Moreover, the number of candidates for terraforming may be higher than conventionally assumed; in our solar system, for example, they may include the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. In the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]], Caprica is depicted as Earthlike, but the other Colonies are not shown, so they may well be non-Earthlike worlds.

The concept of one or more moons of a gas giant being habitable has come under serious negative light by astronomers of late. As a gas planet forms it accumulates both hydrogen gas and solids such as rock and ice. What was not initailly absorbed into the proto-giant would instead coalesce into a disk of gas and solids orbiting the planet in its equatorial plane with a rotation matching the main body. It is within this disk that the satellites are believed to form. In June of 2006, Dr. Robin Canup and Dr. William Ward of the SwRI Space Studies Department released a theory that proposes the presence of gas, primarily hydrogen, during the formation of these satellites would limit their growth to levels that would not be conductive for evolution of habitable biospheres[http://www.swri.org/9what/releases/2006/Canup.htm].

Canup and Ward considered that a growing satellite’s gravity induces spiral waves in a surrounding gas disk, and that gravitational interactions between these waves and the satellite cause the satellite’s orbit to contract. This effect becomes stronger as a satellite grows, so that the bigger a satellite gets, the faster its orbit spirals inward toward the planet. The team proposes that the balance of two processes — the ongoing inflow of material to the satellites during their growth and the loss of satellites to collision with the planet — implies a maximum size for a gas planet satellite consistent with observations.

Using both numerical simulations and analytical estimates of the growth and loss of satellites, the team shows that multiple generations of satellites were likely, with today’s satellites being the last surviving generation that formed as the planet’s growth ceased and the gas disk dissipated. Canup and Ward demonstrate that during multiple cycles of satellite growth and loss, the fraction of the planet’s mass contained in its satellites at any given time maintains a value not very different from 0.0001 across a wide range of model parameter choices.

With this in mind, unless the Cyrannus system possessed gas giants far closer to brown dwarf size than our own Jupiter or Saturn, the odds of naturally-occurring habitable satellites being any of the 12 Colonies is highly unlikely. This applies to moons such as [[Wikipedia:Yavin#Yavin|Yavin]] and some moons seen on the various "Star Trek" series

==Binary Stars==
[[Wikipedia:Binary_stars|Binary stars]] are stars bound by a common gravitational force such that they orbit around a common point in space. Their spectral types can vary quite widely, and it is questionable as to whether all binaries will be capable of producing stable planets due to the degree of gravitational flux between the stars.

Binary star systems can also form the center of hierarchical triple (trinary) systems (a binary system with a third star orbiting both) at a much greater distance.

Cyrannus might be considered a binary star system because such systems, while containing multiple stars, are often referred to by a single name.
A binary star system, with stars in the G-K spectral range offer the possibility that each star develops its own Goldilocks Zone and habitable planets therein. The changing distance between the two stars as they orbit each other could conceivably encourage the use of some form of FTL travel to move rapidly between worlds orbiting either star.

=== Example of a Binary Star System ===

The [[Wikipedia:Alpha Centauri|Alpha Centauri]] system is a prime example of both a binary star system and an hierarchial triple star system, a multiple-star system having a single name.

Alpha Centauri - also known as Rigil Kentaurus, Toliman, and Bungula - comprises a true binary system. The two stars are named Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B in order of decreasing size. It should be noted that Alpha B is sometimes incorrectly referred to as "Beta Centauri" in science fiction works; the true Beta Centauri, although visibly "closer" to Alpha A and B, is actually some 520 light years distant[http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/H/Hadar.html]. Both of the Alpha Centauri stars are of the correct spectral types to sustain life-bearing planets and are only slightly hotter and brighter than our own Sun.[http://homepage.sunrise.ch/homepage/schatzer/Alpha-Centauri.html].

A third star at a much greater distance is Proxima Centauri, which until recently was believed to be in motion with the system, resulting in its inclusion as an hierarchial triple. After decades of study of the relative motions of the three stars of this particular group of stars, astronomers are now divided on whether or not Proxima is actually part of the Alpha binary. At a distance to Alpha Centauri of just 1/20th of Proxima Centauri's distance to the Sun, Proxima may actually be in orbit about both Alpha stars, with an orbital period on the order of 500,000 years or more. Some adherents to this theory now tend to refer to Proxima as Alpha Centauri C.[http://www.solstation.com/stars/alp-cent3.htm][http://homepage.sunrise.ch/homepage/schatzer/Alpha-Centauri.html] Other interpretations of the data show that an equally strong possibility exists that that Proxima may not actually be in orbit, but merely passing nearby[http://adsbit.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-iarticle_query?1994A%26A...292..115A]. Proponents of this "just passing through" theory are, to their credit, quick to acknowledge that they cannot rule out Proxima being somehow associated with the Alpha pair as all three stars share approximately the same observed motion through space.[http://www.astro.uiuc.edu/~kaler/sow/rigil-kent.html]

In any case, while our closest known stellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri is classified as a red dwarf[http://adsbit.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-iarticle_query?bibcode=1990A%26A...235..335D] prone to violent flareups as it exhausts its fuel. and while planetary formation is not beyond doubt, its capability of bearing life-sustaining planets is not very high due to such lighting conditions not being conductive to photosynthesis, [http://www.solstation.com/stars/alp-cent3.htm] not to mention solar radiation concerns.

==Open Star Clusters==

Open star clusters, as their name suggests, are groupings of multiple stars in relatively close proximity to one another which are not bound together by gravity (although a star cluster can contain [[#Binary Stars|binaries]] among its number). Due to the number of stars within a cluster, the possibly of several being able to support life-bearing planets might be considered high.

There are several advantages in considering Cyrannus to represent a star cluster, or for the Twelve Colonies of Man to be within an open star cluster:

* A star cluster may present a much large number of stars capable of supporting life-bearing planets
* The distances between stars would be much greater than a binary system, and would help explain why some vessels operated by the Colonials are so luxuriously equipped or outfitted for long duration flights, as it would most likely require vessels to make multiple jumps between stars, thus measuring journey times in terms of days (or possibly weeks).
* A star cluster might explain why the Colonials don't appear to have undertaken much in the way of really deep-space exploration. They might have been engaged in simply surveying other stars within the cluster, but at the same time being oblivious to the precise location of [[Kobol]] relative to their own worlds.
* A star cluster would give the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]] ample opportunity to hide away from Colonial eyes, while still monitoring (and perhaps influencing) Colonial activities.

===Example of an Open Star Cluster===

The [[Wikipedia:Pleiades_%28star_cluster%29|Pleiades]] cluster is a classic exmaple of an open star cluster, although it is one that contains relatively young stars, many of which are burning too hot to sustain life-bearing planets.

==Origin of the Name in the Original Series==

In "[[The Long Patrol]]", [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] refers to the [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]] as being in the "Cyranus Galaxy". This may be an error on the part of the series writers on the grounds that:

* The Colonials are seeking [[Earth]], and so must be travelling within the Milky Way Galaxy
* The [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] neither shows nor implies any inter-galactic travel.

Counterpoints:

*Earth in the Original Series does not have to be the Earth of the Milky Way Galaxy.
*The Original Series may use a different name for our galaxy, so inter-galatic travel is not necessarily implied.
*The Original Series may use a different definition for the word galaxy to mean solar system or sector. There are several examples in the series that appear to bear this out.
**The lead Centurion in [[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]] orders their Raiders on patrol deeper into the galaxy.
**The episode "[[Saga of a Star World (TOS)|Saga of a Star World]]" makes clear that a [[Raider]] needed to refuel to reach the Colonies from [[Cylons (TOS)|the Cylon Empire]].

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Planets]]
[[Category:Video Game]]

Cyrannus

2006-09-04T09:16:54Z

OM: /* Example of a Binary Star System */

{{NPOV}}
==Overview==

'''Cyrannus''' (also spelled "Cyranus") is the name of the solar system containing the worlds of the Twelve Colonies of Man in the [[Video Game|Battlestar Galactica video game]], published in 2003.

The 2003 video game has its own continuity (as opposed to the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] or [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]) that draws from elements of the Original Series and the [[Thousand Yahren War]] and elements apparently slated for the [[Battlestar Galactica (SDS)|first revival attempt of "Battlestar Galactica"]] as a new TV series by Bryan Singer and Tom DeSanto in 2001.

The name "Cyrannus" has also been used in one [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] episode, "[[The Long Patrol]]", but not to describe a solar system (see [[Cyrannus#Origin of the Name in the Original Series|the section on the use of the term in the Original Series]]).

*No aired episode of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] has used "Cyrannus" as the name of their solar system. Therefore, the [[canon|official name]] of the solar system of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]] for the Re-imagined Series is unknown.
*It's not known in the video game whether Cyrannus is a single star with multiple life-bearing planets, or a [[#Binary Stars|binary]], a trinary star system, or an [[#Open Star Clusters|open cluster]] of stars.

== The Problem of Cyrannus and 12 Earth-like planets ==

While it has been ascertained through searches undertaken from both the surface of the Earth and the [[Wikipedia:Hubble_Space_Telescope|Hubble Space Telescope]] that there are a large number of planets orbiting sunlike stars in our galaxy, most of the planets discovered to date are clssified as gas giants, similar in size and potentialy in composition as the planet [[Wikipedia:Jupiter_%28planet%29|Jupiter]] in our own solar system. However, it is very hard for modern telescopes to discern Earth-sized worlds, so currently gas giants are the main planets being discovered.

Further, it is believed that there is a very narrow band of space around a star that will encourage the formation of life-bearing planets (the so-called "Goldilocks Zone"). This is a region of space where the heat from the sun is neither too hot nor too cold to allow for the stable presence of liquid water, which is a prerequisite for the natural development of life through chemical and then organic means (life on Earth, at any rate). However, it is possible, albeit unlikely, that all of the Twelve Worlds are on the same orbital path that goes through this zone.

Some fans have claimed that is highly improbable that a single star would have no fewer than twelve planets and moons orbiting a star within the "zone of life" for that star. Moreover, they claim that a system with this many planets would probably be dynamically unstable. However, that is dependent on the definition of a planet. A recent proposal has defined a planet as "a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around a star, and is neither a star nor a satellite of a planet." Under this definition, bodies that would originally have been considered nothing more than spherical asteroids are now classified as "dwarf planets."

It is possible that the Twelve Colonies could be composed mostly of dwarf planets, which are small enough to all fit in the so-called "Goldilocks Zone". Then the only problem would be gravity and the Colonials obviously have artificial gravity technology. They could also have the ability to carry out considerable [[Wikipedia: Terraforming|terraforming]].

A limited degree of terraforming is possible even with Earth-level technology, however, so it is not entirely implausible. Moreover, the number of candidates for terraforming may be higher than conventionally assumed; in our solar system, for example, they may include the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. In the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]], Caprica is depicted as Earthlike, but the other Colonies are not shown, so they may well be non-Earthlike worlds.

The concept of one or more moons of a gas giant being habitable has come under serious negative light by astronomers of late. As a gas planet forms it accumulates both hydrogen gas and solids such as rock and ice. What was not initailly absorbed into the proto-giant would instead coalesce into a disk of gas and solids orbiting the planet in its equatorial plane with a rotation matching the main body. It is within this disk that the satellites are believed to form. In June of 2006, Dr. Robin Canup and Dr. William Ward of the SwRI Space Studies Department released a theory that proposes the presence of gas, primarily hydrogen, during the formation of these satellites would limit their growth to levels that would not be conductive for evolution of habitable biospheres[http://www.swri.org/9what/releases/2006/Canup.htm].

Canup and Ward considered that a growing satellite’s gravity induces spiral waves in a surrounding gas disk, and that gravitational interactions between these waves and the satellite cause the satellite’s orbit to contract. This effect becomes stronger as a satellite grows, so that the bigger a satellite gets, the faster its orbit spirals inward toward the planet. The team proposes that the balance of two processes — the ongoing inflow of material to the satellites during their growth and the loss of satellites to collision with the planet — implies a maximum size for a gas planet satellite consistent with observations.

Using both numerical simulations and analytical estimates of the growth and loss of satellites, the team shows that multiple generations of satellites were likely, with today’s satellites being the last surviving generation that formed as the planet’s growth ceased and the gas disk dissipated. Canup and Ward demonstrate that during multiple cycles of satellite growth and loss, the fraction of the planet’s mass contained in its satellites at any given time maintains a value not very different from 0.0001 across a wide range of model parameter choices.

With this in mind, unless the Cyrannus system possessed gas giants far closer to brown dwarf size than our own Jupiter or Saturn, the odds of naturally-occurring habitable satellites being any of the 12 Colonies is highly unlikely. This applies to moons such as [[Wikipedia:Yavin#Yavin|Yavin]] and some moons seen on the various "Star Trek" series

==Binary Stars==
[[Wikipedia:Binary_stars|Binary stars]] are stars bound by a common gravitational force such that they orbit around a common point in space. Their spectral types can vary quite widely, and it is questionable as to whether all binaries will be capable of producing stable planets due to the degree of gravitational flux between the stars.

Binary star systems can also form the center of hierarchical triple (trinary) systems (a binary system with a third star orbiting both) at a much greater distance.

Cyrannus might be considered a binary star system because such systems, while containing multiple stars, are often referred to by a single name.
A binary star system, with stars in the G-K spectral range offer the possibility that each star develops its own Goldilocks Zone and habitable planets therein. The changing distance between the two stars as they orbit each other could conceivably encourage the use of some form of FTL travel to move rapidly between worlds orbiting either star.

=== Example of a Binary Star System ===

The [[Wikipedia:Alpha Centauri|Alpha Centauri]] system is a prime example of both a binary star system and an hierarchial triple star system, a multiple-star system having a single name.

Alpha Centauri - also known as Rigil Kentaurus, Toliman, and Bungula - comprises a true binary system. The two stars are named Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B in order of decreasing size. It should be noted that Alpha B is sometimes incorrectly referred to as "Beta Centauri" in science fiction works; the true Beta Centauri, although visibly "closer" to Alpha A and B, is actually some 520 light years distant. Both of the Alpha Centauri stars are of the correct spectral types to sustain life-bearing planets and are only slightly hotter and brighter than our own Sun.{{citation needed}}

A third star at a much greater distance is Proxima Centauri, which until recently was believed to be in motion with the system, resulting in its inclusion as an hierarchial triple. After decades of study of the relative motions of the three stars of this particular group of stars, astronomers are now divided on whether or not Proxima is actually part of the Alpha binary. At a distance to Alpha Centauri of just 1/20th of Proxima Centauri's distance to the Sun, Proxima may actually be in orbit about both Alpha stars, with an orbital period on the order of 500,000 years or more. Some adherents to this theory now tend to refer to Proxima as Alpha Centauri C.{{citation needed}} Other interpretations of the data show that an equally strong possibility exists that that Proxima may not actually be in orbit, but merely passing nearby[http://adsbit.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-iarticle_query?1994A%26A...292..115A]. Proponents of this "just passing through" theory are, to their credit, quick to acknowledge that they cannot rule out Proxima being somehow associated with the Alpha pair as all three stars share approximately the same observed motion through space.[http://www.astro.uiuc.edu/~kaler/sow/rigil-kent.html]

In any case, while our closest known stellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri is classified as a red dwarf[http://adsbit.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-iarticle_query?bibcode=1990A%26A...235..335D] prone to violent flareups as it exhausts its fuel. and while planetary formation is not beyond doubt, its capability of bearing life-sustaining planets is not very high due to such lighting conditions not being conductive to photosynthesis, [http://www.solstation.com/stars/alp-cent3.htm] not to mention solar radiation concerns.

==Open Star Clusters==

Open star clusters, as their name suggests, are groupings of multiple stars in relatively close proximity to one another which are not bound together by gravity (although a star cluster can contain [[#Binary Stars|binaries]] among its number). Due to the number of stars within a cluster, the possibly of several being able to support life-bearing planets might be considered high.

There are several advantages in considering Cyrannus to represent a star cluster, or for the Twelve Colonies of Man to be within an open star cluster:

* A star cluster may present a much large number of stars capable of supporting life-bearing planets
* The distances between stars would be much greater than a binary system, and would help explain why some vessels operated by the Colonials are so luxuriously equipped or outfitted for long duration flights, as it would most likely require vessels to make multiple jumps between stars, thus measuring journey times in terms of days (or possibly weeks).
* A star cluster might explain why the Colonials don't appear to have undertaken much in the way of really deep-space exploration. They might have been engaged in simply surveying other stars within the cluster, but at the same time being oblivious to the precise location of [[Kobol]] relative to their own worlds.
* A star cluster would give the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]] ample opportunity to hide away from Colonial eyes, while still monitoring (and perhaps influencing) Colonial activities.

===Example of an Open Star Cluster===

The [[Wikipedia:Pleiades_%28star_cluster%29|Pleiades]] cluster is a classic exmaple of an open star cluster, although it is one that contains relatively young stars, many of which are burning too hot to sustain life-bearing planets.

==Origin of the Name in the Original Series==

In "[[The Long Patrol]]", [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] refers to the [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]] as being in the "Cyranus Galaxy". This may be an error on the part of the series writers on the grounds that:

* The Colonials are seeking [[Earth]], and so must be travelling within the Milky Way Galaxy
* The [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] neither shows nor implies any inter-galactic travel.

Counterpoints:

*Earth in the Original Series does not have to be the Earth of the Milky Way Galaxy.
*The Original Series may use a different name for our galaxy, so inter-galatic travel is not necessarily implied.
*The Original Series may use a different definition for the word galaxy to mean solar system or sector. There are several examples in the series that appear to bear this out.
**The lead Centurion in [[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]] orders their Raiders on patrol deeper into the galaxy.
**The episode "[[Saga of a Star World (TOS)|Saga of a Star World]]" makes clear that a [[Raider]] needed to refuel to reach the Colonies from [[Cylons (TOS)|the Cylon Empire]].

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Planets]]
[[Category:Video Game]]

Talk:Cyrannus/Archive 1

2006-09-04T09:02:46Z

OM: /* Citations */

Talk:Cyrannus/Archive 1

2006-09-04T09:02:10Z

OM: /* Citations */

Talk:Cyrannus/Archive 1

2006-09-04T08:57:18Z

OM: /* Citations */

Talk:Cyrannus/Archive 1

2006-09-04T08:54:31Z

OM: /* Citations */

Cyrannus

2006-09-04T08:50:08Z

OM: /* The Problem of Cyrannus and 12 Earth-like planets */

{{NPOV}}
==Overview==

'''Cyrannus''' (also spelled "Cyranus") is the name of the solar system containing the worlds of the Twelve Colonies of Man in the [[Video Game|Battlestar Galactica video game]], published in 2003.

The 2003 video game has its own continuity (as opposed to the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] or [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]) that draws from elements of the Original Series and the [[Thousand Yahren War]] and elements apparently slated for the [[Battlestar Galactica (SDS)|first revival attempt of "Battlestar Galactica"]] as a new TV series by Bryan Singer and Tom DeSanto in 2001.

The name "Cyrannus" has also been used in one [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] episode, "[[The Long Patrol]]", but not to describe a solar system (see [[Cyrannus#Origin of the Name in the Original Series|the section on the use of the term in the Original Series]]).

*No aired episode of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] has used "Cyrannus" as the name of their solar system. Therefore, the [[canon|official name]] of the solar system of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]] for the Re-imagined Series is unknown.
*It's not known in the video game whether Cyrannus is a single star with multiple life-bearing planets, or a [[#Binary Stars|binary]], a trinary star system, or an [[#Open Star Clusters|open cluster]] of stars.

== The Problem of Cyrannus and 12 Earth-like planets ==

While it has been ascertained through searches undertaken from both the surface of the Earth and the [[Wikipedia:Hubble_Space_Telescope|Hubble Space Telescope]] that there are a large number of planets orbiting sunlike stars in our galaxy, most of the planets discovered to date are clssified as gas giants, similar in size and potentialy in composition as the planet [[Wikipedia:Jupiter_%28planet%29|Jupiter]] in our own solar system. However, it is very hard for modern telescopes to discern Earth-sized worlds, so currently gas giants are the main planets being discovered.

Further, it is believed that there is a very narrow band of space around a star that will encourage the formation of life-bearing planets (the so-called "Goldilocks Zone"). This is a region of space where the heat from the sun is neither too hot nor too cold to allow for the stable presence of liquid water, which is a prerequisite for the natural development of life through chemical and then organic means (life on Earth, at any rate). However, it is possible, albeit unlikely, that all of the Twelve Worlds are on the same orbital path that goes through this zone.

Some fans have claimed that is highly improbable that a single star would have no fewer than twelve planets and moons orbiting a star within the "zone of life" for that star. Moreover, they claim that a system with this many planets would probably be dynamically unstable. However, that is dependent on the definition of a planet. A recent proposal has defined a planet as "a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around a star, and is neither a star nor a satellite of a planet." Under this definition, bodies that would originally have been considered nothing more than spherical asteroids are now classified as "dwarf planets."

It is possible that the Twelve Colonies could be composed mostly of dwarf planets, which are small enough to all fit in the so-called "Goldilocks Zone". Then the only problem would be gravity and the Colonials obviously have artificial gravity technology. They could also have the ability to carry out considerable [[Wikipedia: Terraforming|terraforming]].

A limited degree of terraforming is possible even with Earth-level technology, however, so it is not entirely implausible. Moreover, the number of candidates for terraforming may be higher than conventionally assumed; in our solar system, for example, they may include the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. In the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]], Caprica is depicted as Earthlike, but the other Colonies are not shown, so they may well be non-Earthlike worlds.

The concept of one or more moons of a gas giant being habitable has come under serious negative light by astronomers of late. As a gas planet forms it accumulates both hydrogen gas and solids such as rock and ice. What was not initailly absorbed into the proto-giant would instead coalesce into a disk of gas and solids orbiting the planet in its equatorial plane with a rotation matching the main body. It is within this disk that the satellites are believed to form. In June of 2006, Dr. Robin Canup and Dr. William Ward of the SwRI Space Studies Department released a theory that proposes the presence of gas, primarily hydrogen, during the formation of these satellites would limit their growth to levels that would not be conductive for evolution of habitable biospheres[http://www.swri.org/9what/releases/2006/Canup.htm].

Canup and Ward considered that a growing satellite’s gravity induces spiral waves in a surrounding gas disk, and that gravitational interactions between these waves and the satellite cause the satellite’s orbit to contract. This effect becomes stronger as a satellite grows, so that the bigger a satellite gets, the faster its orbit spirals inward toward the planet. The team proposes that the balance of two processes — the ongoing inflow of material to the satellites during their growth and the loss of satellites to collision with the planet — implies a maximum size for a gas planet satellite consistent with observations.

Using both numerical simulations and analytical estimates of the growth and loss of satellites, the team shows that multiple generations of satellites were likely, with today’s satellites being the last surviving generation that formed as the planet’s growth ceased and the gas disk dissipated. Canup and Ward demonstrate that during multiple cycles of satellite growth and loss, the fraction of the planet’s mass contained in its satellites at any given time maintains a value not very different from 0.0001 across a wide range of model parameter choices.

With this in mind, unless the Cyrannus system possessed gas giants far closer to brown dwarf size than our own Jupiter or Saturn, the odds of naturally-occurring habitable satellites being any of the 12 Colonies is highly unlikely. This applies to moons such as [[Wikipedia:Yavin#Yavin|Yavin]] and some moons seen on the various "Star Trek" series

==Binary Stars==
[[Wikipedia:Binary_stars|Binary stars]] are stars bound by a common gravitational force such that they orbit around a common point in space. Their spectral types can vary quite widely, and it is questionable as to whether all binaries will be capable of producing stable planets due to the degree of gravitational flux between the stars.

Binary star systems can also form the center of hierarchical triple (trinary) systems (a binary system with a third star orbiting both) at a much greater distance.

Cyrannus might be considered a binary star system because such systems, while containing multiple stars, are often referred to by a single name.
A binary star system, with stars in the G-K spectral range offer the possibility that each star develops its own Goldilocks Zone and habitable planets therein. The changing distance between the two stars as they orbit each other could conceivably encourage the use of some form of FTL travel to move rapidly between worlds orbiting either star.

=== Example of a Binary Star System ===

The [[Wikipedia:Alpha Centauri|Alpha Centauri]] system is a prime example of both a binary star system and an hierarchial triple star system, a multiple-star system having a single name.

Alpha Centauri - also known as Rigil Kentaurus, Toliman, and Bungula - comprises a true binary system. The two stars are named Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B in order of decreasing size. It should be noted that Alpha B is sometimes incorrectly referred to as "Beta Centauri" in science fiction works; the true Beta Centauri, although visibly "closer" to Alpha A and B, is actually some 520 light years distant. Both of the Alpha Centauri stars are of the correct spectral types to sustain life-bearing planets and are only slightly hotter and brighter than our own Sun.{{citation needed}}

A third star at a much greater distance is Proxima Centauri, which until recently was believed to be in motion with the system, resulting in its inclusion as an hierarchial triple. After decades of study of the relative motions of the three stars of this particular group of stars, astronomers are now divided on whether or not Proxima is actually part of the Alpha binary.{{citation needed}} At a distance to Alpha Centauri of just 1/20th of Proxima Centauri's distance to the Sun, Proxima may actually be in orbit about both Alpha stars, with an orbital period on the order of 500,000 years or more.{{citation needed}} Some adherents to this theory now tend to refer to Proxima as Alpha Centauri C.{{citation needed}} Other interpretations of the data show that an equally strong possibility exists that that Proxima may not actually be in orbit, but merely passing nearby.{{citation needed}} Proponents of this "just passing through" theory are, to their credit, quick to acknowledge that they cannot rule out Proxima being somehow associated with the Alpha pair as all three stars share approximately the same observed motion through space.

In any case, while our closest known stellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri is classified as a red dwarf, and thus is believed incapable of bearing life-sustaining planets.{{citation needed}}

==Open Star Clusters==

Open star clusters, as their name suggests, are groupings of multiple stars in relatively close proximity to one another which are not bound together by gravity (although a star cluster can contain [[#Binary Stars|binaries]] among its number). Due to the number of stars within a cluster, the possibly of several being able to support life-bearing planets might be considered high.

There are several advantages in considering Cyrannus to represent a star cluster, or for the Twelve Colonies of Man to be within an open star cluster:

* A star cluster may present a much large number of stars capable of supporting life-bearing planets
* The distances between stars would be much greater than a binary system, and would help explain why some vessels operated by the Colonials are so luxuriously equipped or outfitted for long duration flights, as it would most likely require vessels to make multiple jumps between stars, thus measuring journey times in terms of days (or possibly weeks).
* A star cluster might explain why the Colonials don't appear to have undertaken much in the way of really deep-space exploration. They might have been engaged in simply surveying other stars within the cluster, but at the same time being oblivious to the precise location of [[Kobol]] relative to their own worlds.
* A star cluster would give the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]] ample opportunity to hide away from Colonial eyes, while still monitoring (and perhaps influencing) Colonial activities.

===Example of an Open Star Cluster===

The [[Wikipedia:Pleiades_%28star_cluster%29|Pleiades]] cluster is a classic exmaple of an open star cluster, although it is one that contains relatively young stars, many of which are burning too hot to sustain life-bearing planets.

==Origin of the Name in the Original Series==

In "[[The Long Patrol]]", [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] refers to the [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]] as being in the "Cyranus Galaxy". This may be an error on the part of the series writers on the grounds that:

* The Colonials are seeking [[Earth]], and so must be travelling within the Milky Way Galaxy
* The [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] neither shows nor implies any inter-galactic travel.

Counterpoints:

*Earth in the Original Series does not have to be the Earth of the Milky Way Galaxy.
*The Original Series may use a different name for our galaxy, so inter-galatic travel is not necessarily implied.
*The Original Series may use a different definition for the word galaxy to mean solar system or sector. There are several examples in the series that appear to bear this out.
**The lead Centurion in [[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]] orders their Raiders on patrol deeper into the galaxy.
**The episode "[[Saga of a Star World (TOS)|Saga of a Star World]]" makes clear that a [[Raider]] needed to refuel to reach the Colonies from [[Cylons (TOS)|the Cylon Empire]].

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Planets]]
[[Category:Video Game]]

Cyrannus

2006-09-04T08:49:30Z

OM: /* The Problem of Cyrannus and 12 Earth-like planets */

{{NPOV}}
==Overview==

'''Cyrannus''' (also spelled "Cyranus") is the name of the solar system containing the worlds of the Twelve Colonies of Man in the [[Video Game|Battlestar Galactica video game]], published in 2003.

The 2003 video game has its own continuity (as opposed to the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] or [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]) that draws from elements of the Original Series and the [[Thousand Yahren War]] and elements apparently slated for the [[Battlestar Galactica (SDS)|first revival attempt of "Battlestar Galactica"]] as a new TV series by Bryan Singer and Tom DeSanto in 2001.

The name "Cyrannus" has also been used in one [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] episode, "[[The Long Patrol]]", but not to describe a solar system (see [[Cyrannus#Origin of the Name in the Original Series|the section on the use of the term in the Original Series]]).

*No aired episode of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] has used "Cyrannus" as the name of their solar system. Therefore, the [[canon|official name]] of the solar system of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]] for the Re-imagined Series is unknown.
*It's not known in the video game whether Cyrannus is a single star with multiple life-bearing planets, or a [[#Binary Stars|binary]], a trinary star system, or an [[#Open Star Clusters|open cluster]] of stars.

== The Problem of Cyrannus and 12 Earth-like planets ==

While it has been ascertained through searches undertaken from both the surface of the Earth and the [[Wikipedia:Hubble_Space_Telescope|Hubble Space Telescope]] that there are a large number of planets orbiting sunlike stars in our galaxy, most of the planets discovered to date are clssified as gas giants, similar in size and potentialy in composition as the planet [[Wikipedia:Jupiter_%28planet%29|Jupiter]] in our own solar system. However, it is very hard for modern telescopes to discern Earth-sized worlds, so currently gas giants are the main planets being discovered.

Further, it is believed that there is a very narrow band of space around a star that will encourage the formation of life-bearing planets (the so-called "Goldilocks Zone"). This is a region of space where the heat from the sun is neither too hot nor too cold to allow for the stable presence of liquid water, which is a prerequisite for the natural development of life through chemical and then organic means (life on Earth, at any rate). However, it is possible, albeit unlikely, that all of the Twelve Worlds are on the same orbital path that goes through this zone.

Some fans have claimed that is highly improbable that a single star would have no fewer than twelve planets and moons orbiting a star within the "zone of life" for that star. Moreover, they claim that a system with this many planets would probably be dynamically unstable. However, that is dependent on the definition of a planet. A recent proposal has defined a planet as "a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around a star, and is neither a star nor a satellite of a planet." Under this definition, bodies that would originally have been considered nothing more than spherical asteroids are now classified as "dwarf planets."

It is possible that the Twelve Colonies could be composed mostly of dwarf planets, which are small enough to all fit in the so-called "Goldilocks Zone". Then the only problem would be gravity and the Colonials obviously have artificial gravity technology. They could also have the ability to carry out considerable [[Wikipedia: Terraforming|terraforming]].

A limited degree of terraforming is possible even with Earth-level technology, however, so it is not entirely implausible. Moreover, the number of candidates for terraforming may be higher than conventionally assumed; in our solar system, for example, they may include the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. In the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]], Caprica is depicted as Earthlike, but the other Colonies are not shown, so they may well be non-Earthlike worlds.

The concept of one or more moons of a gas giant being habitable has come under serious negative light by astronomers of late. As a gas planet forms it accumulates both hydrogen gas and solids such as rock and ice. What was not initailly absorbed into the proto-giant would instead coalesce into a disk of gas and solids orbiting the planet in its equatorial plane with a rotation matching the main body. It is within this disk that the satellites are believed to form. In June of 2006, Dr. Robin Canup and Dr. William Ward of the SwRI Space Studies Department released a theory that proposes the presence of gas, primarily hydrogen, during the formation of these satellites would limit their growth to levels that would not be conductive for evolution of habitable biospheres

(Full press release on Canup & Ward's theory: [http://www.swri.org/9what/releases/2006/Canup.htm])

Canup and Ward considered that a growing satellite’s gravity induces spiral waves in a surrounding gas disk, and that gravitational interactions between these waves and the satellite cause the satellite’s orbit to contract. This effect becomes stronger as a satellite grows, so that the bigger a satellite gets, the faster its orbit spirals inward toward the planet. The team proposes that the balance of two processes — the ongoing inflow of material to the satellites during their growth and the loss of satellites to collision with the planet — implies a maximum size for a gas planet satellite consistent with observations.

Using both numerical simulations and analytical estimates of the growth and loss of satellites, the team shows that multiple generations of satellites were likely, with today’s satellites being the last surviving generation that formed as the planet’s growth ceased and the gas disk dissipated. Canup and Ward demonstrate that during multiple cycles of satellite growth and loss, the fraction of the planet’s mass contained in its satellites at any given time maintains a value not very different from 0.0001 across a wide range of model parameter choices.

With this in mind, unless the Cyrannus system possessed gas giants far closer to brown dwarf size than our own Jupiter or Saturn, the odds of naturally-occurring habitable satellites being any of the 12 Colonies is highly unlikely. This applies to moons such as [[Wikipedia:Yavin#Yavin|Yavin]] and some moons seen on the various "Star Trek" series

==Binary Stars==
[[Wikipedia:Binary_stars|Binary stars]] are stars bound by a common gravitational force such that they orbit around a common point in space. Their spectral types can vary quite widely, and it is questionable as to whether all binaries will be capable of producing stable planets due to the degree of gravitational flux between the stars.

Binary star systems can also form the center of hierarchical triple (trinary) systems (a binary system with a third star orbiting both) at a much greater distance.

Cyrannus might be considered a binary star system because such systems, while containing multiple stars, are often referred to by a single name.
A binary star system, with stars in the G-K spectral range offer the possibility that each star develops its own Goldilocks Zone and habitable planets therein. The changing distance between the two stars as they orbit each other could conceivably encourage the use of some form of FTL travel to move rapidly between worlds orbiting either star.

=== Example of a Binary Star System ===

The [[Wikipedia:Alpha Centauri|Alpha Centauri]] system is a prime example of both a binary star system and an hierarchial triple star system, a multiple-star system having a single name.

Alpha Centauri - also known as Rigil Kentaurus, Toliman, and Bungula - comprises a true binary system. The two stars are named Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B in order of decreasing size. It should be noted that Alpha B is sometimes incorrectly referred to as "Beta Centauri" in science fiction works; the true Beta Centauri, although visibly "closer" to Alpha A and B, is actually some 520 light years distant. Both of the Alpha Centauri stars are of the correct spectral types to sustain life-bearing planets and are only slightly hotter and brighter than our own Sun.{{citation needed}}

A third star at a much greater distance is Proxima Centauri, which until recently was believed to be in motion with the system, resulting in its inclusion as an hierarchial triple. After decades of study of the relative motions of the three stars of this particular group of stars, astronomers are now divided on whether or not Proxima is actually part of the Alpha binary.{{citation needed}} At a distance to Alpha Centauri of just 1/20th of Proxima Centauri's distance to the Sun, Proxima may actually be in orbit about both Alpha stars, with an orbital period on the order of 500,000 years or more.{{citation needed}} Some adherents to this theory now tend to refer to Proxima as Alpha Centauri C.{{citation needed}} Other interpretations of the data show that an equally strong possibility exists that that Proxima may not actually be in orbit, but merely passing nearby.{{citation needed}} Proponents of this "just passing through" theory are, to their credit, quick to acknowledge that they cannot rule out Proxima being somehow associated with the Alpha pair as all three stars share approximately the same observed motion through space.

In any case, while our closest known stellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri is classified as a red dwarf, and thus is believed incapable of bearing life-sustaining planets.{{citation needed}}

==Open Star Clusters==

Open star clusters, as their name suggests, are groupings of multiple stars in relatively close proximity to one another which are not bound together by gravity (although a star cluster can contain [[#Binary Stars|binaries]] among its number). Due to the number of stars within a cluster, the possibly of several being able to support life-bearing planets might be considered high.

There are several advantages in considering Cyrannus to represent a star cluster, or for the Twelve Colonies of Man to be within an open star cluster:

* A star cluster may present a much large number of stars capable of supporting life-bearing planets
* The distances between stars would be much greater than a binary system, and would help explain why some vessels operated by the Colonials are so luxuriously equipped or outfitted for long duration flights, as it would most likely require vessels to make multiple jumps between stars, thus measuring journey times in terms of days (or possibly weeks).
* A star cluster might explain why the Colonials don't appear to have undertaken much in the way of really deep-space exploration. They might have been engaged in simply surveying other stars within the cluster, but at the same time being oblivious to the precise location of [[Kobol]] relative to their own worlds.
* A star cluster would give the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]] ample opportunity to hide away from Colonial eyes, while still monitoring (and perhaps influencing) Colonial activities.

===Example of an Open Star Cluster===

The [[Wikipedia:Pleiades_%28star_cluster%29|Pleiades]] cluster is a classic exmaple of an open star cluster, although it is one that contains relatively young stars, many of which are burning too hot to sustain life-bearing planets.

==Origin of the Name in the Original Series==

In "[[The Long Patrol]]", [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] refers to the [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]] as being in the "Cyranus Galaxy". This may be an error on the part of the series writers on the grounds that:

* The Colonials are seeking [[Earth]], and so must be travelling within the Milky Way Galaxy
* The [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] neither shows nor implies any inter-galactic travel.

Counterpoints:

*Earth in the Original Series does not have to be the Earth of the Milky Way Galaxy.
*The Original Series may use a different name for our galaxy, so inter-galatic travel is not necessarily implied.
*The Original Series may use a different definition for the word galaxy to mean solar system or sector. There are several examples in the series that appear to bear this out.
**The lead Centurion in [[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]] orders their Raiders on patrol deeper into the galaxy.
**The episode "[[Saga of a Star World (TOS)|Saga of a Star World]]" makes clear that a [[Raider]] needed to refuel to reach the Colonies from [[Cylons (TOS)|the Cylon Empire]].

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Planets]]
[[Category:Video Game]]

Experiment in Terra

2006-09-04T05:02:55Z

OM: /* Notes */

: This episode guide is in progress. You may add upon it as you so choose.
{{Episode Data
| image = Experiment_in_Terra.jpg
| title= Experiment in Terra
| series= tos
| season=
| episode= 19
| guests=
| writer= [[Glen A. Larson]]
| story=
| director= [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Rod+Holcomb Rod Holcomb]
| production= 50928
| rating=
| US airdate= 1979-03-18
| UK airdate=
| dvd= 2004-12-28
| population=
| prev= [[Baltar's Escape]]
| next= [[Take the Celestra]]
}}

== Overview ==

:''The mysterious bright lights return again, transporting the bewildered Apollo to the planet Terra to avert war with the Eastern Alliance. Exposing a plan by the devious president, Apollo has Starbuck warn ''Galactica'', which lends the protective powers of its shields to avoid planetary holocaust.''

== Summary ==
*While on a recon patrol with [[Blue Squadron]] searching for an [[Eastern Alliance]] [[Eastern Alliance destroyer|destroyer]], Captain [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]]'s [[Viper (TOS)|Viper]] is again waylaid by the [[Beings of Light]] and brought aboard their [[Ship of Lights|ship.]]

*There he is told by [[John]] that he needs to help [[Terra]] and stop a war. Due to their lack of a substantive, corporeal form, they are unable to affect changes without need of a proxy (what Apollo sees is a projection or representation of their spirit). Apollo is also told by John that to the Terrans he will appear to be a missing warrior named Colonel [[Charlie Watts]], to allow him some credibility during his attempts. After this encounter, Apollo wakes up near Terra, an incredible distance from his previous position, and well outside the Vipers' fuel range for a safe return to ''Galactica''.

*[[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] and [[Boomer (TOS)|Boomer]] detect Apollo's distress signal at extreme range. Starbuck goes to help Apollo, while Boomer returns to ''[[Galactica (TOS)|Galactica]]''.

*Apollo is picked up after landing on Terra by [[Brenda Maxwell]] who was Charlie Watts' girlfriend and they return to her apartment. John again appears to Apollo and advises him he needs to reveal the truth about [[Lunar One]]. Whilst he is doing so, Brenda notifies the authorities of "Charlie's" return, believing him to need medical attention. Soon Officer [[Brace]] arrives and Apollo is taken into custody.

*Back on ''Galactica'' Commander [[Adama (TOS)|Adama]] decides that the [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]] will temporarily leave the [[the Fleet (TOS)|fleet]] to investigate the beacon signal sent by both Apollo and Starbuck's Viper's, leaving behind two full squadrons of fighters to protect the civilians.

*Starbuck, having landed and found Apollo's Viper, gets into a gun fight with the local security force, stunning them all. He then sets off to find Apollo.

*After a brief discussion with John, Starbuck rescues Apollo, Brenda and her father [[General Maxwell]] who have just been imprisoned by Brace for questioning the [[Arends|Nationalist President's]] decisions regarding the Eastern Alliance. Brenda and General Maxwell realise what Apollo has been saying is true... he is not Charlie Watts.

*The Leaders of the Eastern Alliance confirm their plans to launch a surprise attack on the Nationalists whilst at the same time, in the Nationalist Presidium, The President announces that a peace agreement with the Eastern Alliance has just been reached. Starbuck and Brenda Maxwell leave to retrieve Starbuck's Viper.

*The attack is begun, the Nationalist's missiles being automatically launched after detection of the Eastern Alliance's surprise move. ''Galactica'' arrives, and following Starbuck's instructions uses its weapons to destroy all missiles from both sides. This surprise turn of events forces the Eastern Alliance to sue for peace.

*John spirits Apollo away from he Presidium so he does not have to answer any questions from the President and General Maxwell. John then goes on to confirm to Apollo that Terra is not [[Earth]], and their search for the [[13th Colony|Thirteeth Tribe]] will continue.

== Questions ==
*Why do the Beings of Light need proxies to do their bidding? Surely an advanced race would have resolved a more elegant solution than co-opting "primitives" for their needs?
**Standard operating proceedure for many Godlike Aliens in science fiction: they are not allowed to interfere directly in the lives of lower beings, but can work through proxy. The Beings of Light stated that they cannot directly interfere as this would take away lower being Free Will; if worst came to worst the ''Galactica'' crew could simply leave and refuse to carry out their wishes, thus this action is based on the choice of the ''Galactica'' crew to stay.

== Analysis ==
A rather average episode of the original series. Several plot points were not addressed or serviced correctly i.e. the white Colonial uniforms, Apollo spending the entire episode trying to get people to believe he is not Charlie Watts after John went to the effort of making him appear so and a few others. Still, some good one liners, and as always, the wonderful cheesy romp that was the best of Battlestar Galactica.

After some teasing through this story arc, we finally learn at the end of the episode that Terra is not Earth. The teasing continues in the next and final episode, [[The Hand of God (TOS)| The Hand of God]].

Perhaps more than any other episode, [[Experiment in Terra]] is incomprehensible to viewers who were not familiar with the show. Apart from having seen [[Saga of a Star World]] to establish the series, viewers must have seen [[War of the Gods]], [[Greetings from Earth]] and [[Baltar's Escape]] to know what was going on. This was possibly an intentional aspect of the production, to introduce more interlaced story arcs to draw in viewers.

== Notes ==

* This is the last episode of a three episode arc, consisting of "[[Greetings from Earth]]", "[[Baltar's Escape]]", and "Experiment in Terra".

*The Presidium on Terra was the French pavilion left over from [[Wikipedia:Expo '67|Expo '67]]. It is one of the few buildings from the fair still standing. It is now [[Wikipedia:Montreal Casino|Le Casino de Montréal]].

*The same stock shot of Le Casino de Montréal in this episode appears to also have been used for the Earth Defence Directorate on [[Wikipedia:Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (TV series)|Buck Rogers in the 25th Century]].

*Yes, that's [[imdb:nm0209496|John de Lancie]] in that motorcycle helmet! Recognize the voice? Yes, it's the same actor that played the infamous Q in Star Trek: the Next Generation.

*Some scenes of this episode were filmed at night at the [[Wikipedia:Vasquez_Rocks|Vasquez Rocks]]. If you look close you can seem them in the scene where Starbuck lands his Viper.

*"Charlie Watts" is also the name of the drummer for the British rock group The Rolling Stones. It is rumored but unconfirmed that Larsen had the character named after Watts as a tribute to his reportedly being a fan of the show.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==
* ''Upon learning that the Vipers are transmitting emergency beacons near Terra''
:'''Adama''': Tigh, plot a course for Terra.
:'''Tigh''': What velocity, sir?
:'''Adama''': [[Lightspeed]].
:'''Tigh''': Sir, it has been some time since the ''Galactica'' has been pushed to-
:'''Adama''': Lightspeed, Colonel.
:'''Tigh''': Yes, sir.

* ''Upon learning the Eastern Alliance has launched a nuclear attack''
:'''President Arends''': Well uh...that's impossible. I have this treaty......
:'''General Maxwell''': Well frame it! But hurry!!

== Official Statements ==



== Guest Stars ==
*[[imdb:nm0000758|Melody Anderson]] as [[Brenda Maxwell]]
*[[imdb:nm0611811|Edward Mulhare]] as [[John]]
*[[imdb:nm0675490|Nehemiah Persoff]] as Eastern Alliance Leader
*[[imdb:nm0842855|Ken Swofford]] as [[General Maxwell]]
*[[imdb:nm0209496|John de Lancie]] as Officer

{{Episode List (TOS)}}

[[Category:A to Z|Experiment in Terra (TOS)]]
[[Category:TOS|Experiment in Terra (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (TOS)|Experiment in Terra (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Glen A. Larson]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Rod Holcomb]]

The Man with Nine Lives

2006-09-04T04:53:33Z

OM: /* Questions */

: This episode guide is in progress. You may add upon it as you so choose.
{{Episode Data
| image = gaming.jpg
| title= The Man with Nine Lives
| series= tos
| season=
| episode= 15
| guests=
| writer= [[Donald Bellisario]]
| story=
| director= [http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Rod+Holcomb Rod Holcomb]
| production= 50916
| rating=
| US airdate= 1979-01-28
| UK airdate=
| dvd= 2004-12-28
| population=
| prev= [[War of the Gods, Part II]]
| next= [[Murder on the Rising Star]]
}}

== Overview ==

:''An old con man, Chameleon, works his way into Starbuck's life to avoid being tracked down by blood-thirsty Borellians.''

== Summary ==
* It has been twelve [[Secton (TOS)|sectons]] since the [[Beings of Light]] gave ''Galactica'' the coordinates that presumably lead to [[Earth]]. The directions lack a reference to how long the trip is.

* The [[Warrior]]s have been given [[furlon]]s in order to relax and rejuvenate.

* [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] can't wait to try out a new gambling system that he claims "can't lose."

* [[Chameleon]] is on a shuttle heading towards the [[Rising Star (TOS)|''Rising Star'']]. He watches a recruiting ad starring [[Omega]]. The show comes back on and the "Warrior of the Centar" being interviewed is Starbuck.

* [[Zara]] asks how old Starbuck is. Starbuck reveals that he doesn't know how old he is because he in an orphan, found wandering in the thorn forests on [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)#Caprica|Caprica]].

* [[Chameleon]] pretends to be upset with the show, in order to avoid paying a transportation ducket to the attendant. He claims that he runs the news and interview shows for [[Inter-Fleet Broadcasting]]. The woman next to him seems rather impressed.

* He says that there are thousands of civilians in [[The Fleet (TOS)|the fleet]] doing jobs just as important as the warriors, and those are the stories that they should tell. He claims that they should interview the attendant, telling him to go to the Comp-Tel Ship after he gets off duty so that Zara can interview him next. The ploy works, and Chameleon is able to bluff the flustered attendant into thinking he had already given him a transportation ducket.

* Chameleon turns the broadcast back on, and Starbuck is explaining that his parents probably perished in the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylon]] raid on [[Umbra]]. It was destroyed in a sneak attack in 7322, after which thousands of children were found wandering around in the forest, including Starbuck.
* Aboard the ''Rising Star'' Chameleon pauses outside the Astral Lounge, pretending to have lost his wallet. The woman he had flown next to, Siress [[Blassie]], insists on spotting him the necessary funds. Chameleon agrees to take the money as long as she promises to return to his billet that night so he can "repay her."

* [[Jolly (TOS)|Jolly]] and [[Boomer (TOS)|Boomer]] enter the Astral Lounge, and Jolly is immediately drawn to the dancers performing in the middle of the room. Boomer wants to go get some food, but Jolly is content to watch the dancers.

* Starbuck believes that this activity will occupy those two for the rest of the furlon, and drags Apollo off to try his new gambling system.

* Chameleon and Siress Blassie enter as the dancers finish their act. Everybody gets on the dance floor and begins dancing "futuristically."

* Three hooded figures enter the lounge, and create quite a stir by their appearance. Boomer identifies them as being [[Borellian Nomen]]. Chameleon appears distressed at their coming. Boomer is surprised to see them, as they rarely mix with the Colonials. Jolly says that they don't, unless they are on a [[Blood Trail]].

* Boomer diffuses the tension in the room, the Nomen take a seat, and everybody resumes their activities.

* Chameleon asks to be excused, as he has some business to attend to. Siress Blassie is worried he is interview a young, beautiful warrior, but he assures her that he prefers experience to youth.

* The [[Taba|younger Nomen]] spots Chameleon and grabs for a [[laser bola]] off of his bandolier. They begin glowing and emitting a sound. Chameleon makes a break for it in the confusion.

* Jolly orders him to disarm it, but Boomer explains that once armed they have to be used, or else they explode. He has 50 [[micron]]s to use it before it detonates.

* Boomer has him throw it at a vertical supporter. A red line appears between the balls when thrown, and the bola wraps around the column and explodes (relatively harmlessly).

* Boomer claims that Borellian Nomen do not draw laser bolas by accident. The [[Maga|leader]] claims that he is young, and that the drink and the music excited him, and promises that it will not happen again.

* Boomer agrees, because if they are to remain the will disarm themselves. The younger Nomen claims that it is against their [[The Code|Code]] to be unarmed. Boomer says he should have thought of that before he drew his weapon. The leader believes they should have known better than to mix with other colonists. He informs Boomer that they will await transportation back to their ship in the docking lounge.

* Several ships are listed as destinations of the Canaris shuttle in the docking lounge.

* Maga holds [[Bora]] responsible for Taba's actions, because Bora is related to the young Nomen. Bora accepts the blame, and vows that they will bring their prey down. Maga wonders what would have caused Taba to break the Code by drawing his weapon without thinking. Taba claims that he saw Captain [[Dmitri]], but Maga is disgusted by Taba's lack of discipline. Maga says that Taba can apologize after he is punished, if he survives the punishment.

* Apollo is anxious, but Starbuck is winning at the [[Pyramid]] table with their money. Chameleon sits down at their table. As Starbuck is dealt his cards, he uses a calculator at the table to work his system. Based on his system, he decides to "hover" (stay), and raises his bet. Chameleon appears to believe Starbuck is acting foolishly. He points out that although the odds are 3:1 against the dealer having a capstone, but if she does he can't win, and his system doesn't consider that. Starbuck reduces his bet, and the dealer reveals a capstone. Everybody loses, so Chameleon has saved Starbuck some cubits.

* The Nomen are patiently waiting for their prey in the docking lounge.

* Chameleon claims to have been working Starbuck's system back on Caprica while Starbuck was still in swaddling clothes. He used to be a professional gambler, but now he is a genetic tracer. He can reunite orphans with their relatives using genetic tests.

* Chameleon had been badly injured in one of the earliest Cylon raids on Caprica. For five years after he was a traumatic amnesiac. After he recovered he learned that his wife had been killed in the raid, and his son had been lost. He's never been able to find his son.

* Starbuck asks where and when the attack took place, and Chameleon tells him that it was at Umbra on Caprica. Starbuck "reveals" that he was orphaned at Umbra. Chameleon points out that over 3000 children were orphaned in that raid, so the odds of him being Starbuck's father are astronomically low. Starbuck is hooked, though, and wants to pursue the possibility.

* Starbuck wants to run a genetic trace. Chameleon says that the waiting list is a yahren long, and he can't ethically move to the front of the list. He does have some alternate, less precise tests that could be run using equipment aboard [[Galactica (TOS)|''Galactica'']]. They order up a [[shuttle]] to ferry them to her.

* Apollo runs into Boomer, who tells him about the incident with the Nomen. Boomer thinks the situation is resolved, until Jolly approaches to inform them that the Nomen haven't left as they had promised. The warriors go to investigate.

* They begin to question the Nomen, and Maga invokes his rights as a human member of the fleet. Apollo accuses Maga of lying to Boomer by not leaving on the next shuttle, prompting Taba to again reach for his laser bola. Maga tries to stop him, and the warriors draw their laser pistols.

* Taba claims that Apollo insulted Maga. Maga informs Taba that if that had been the case, Apollo would be dead. It is Taba that has insulted Maga, twice now, and he must now answer to the code. His laser bola bandoliers are stripped from him, and he is informed that his name will be stricken from the Roster of the Nomen. Maga hands Taba over to the warriors, claiming that Taba no longer exists to him.

* A pair of [[Council Security|security officers]] escort Taba away.

* Boomer still wants to know why they haven't left. Maga claims that the shuttle ''Canaris'' was full, and they are waiting for the next shuttle. Maga denies being on a Blood Trail, saying that they wouldn't be returning to their ship if they were still hunting.

* Starbuck and Chameleon walk by on the way to the shuttle, and Chameleon eyes the Nomen warily as he walks past them. His plan to evade the Nomen appears to have worked.

* Bora respectfully asks Maga why he handed Taba over, rather than fighting to the death. Maga acknowledges that while the Colonials are weak, they have superior numbers. The Nomen must have the patience of the Scorpius. They realize that they need to figure out a way to get aboard ''Galactica''.

* [[Omega]] comes on the view screen with a message urging anybody interested in serving in the military to contact ''Galactica''.

* [[Sheba]], Boomer, Starbuck, and an unnamed female warrior discuss the situation on the shuttle ride to ''Galactica''. Sheba feels that it is a miracle that Starbuck may have found his father.

* Boomer realizes that the Borellian Nomen was looking right at Chameleon when he activated his laser bola, and that Chameleon might be the subject of a blood trail. If this were the case Chameleon might be looking for a way to get escorted off of the ''Rising Star'' safely.

* In the back of the shuttle, Chameleon is explaining how disappointed Siress Blassie is that he had to leave, but she understood given the circumstances. Starbuck, upon finding out that Chameleon had just met the Siress, believes that their similar prowess with the ladies proves their relation.

* [[Cassiopeia]] runs the alternate (less precise) test on Chameleon and Starbuck. The immediate results indicate that they are from the same planet, are from the same tribe, and are related within at least ten generations. Starbuck is elated, but Cassie points out that there several people within the fleet that could match that closely. Both patients agree to run the more precise genetic trace immediately.

* [[Adama (TOS)|Adama]] holds an informal council with Sheba, Boomer, and Apollo over the possibility that Chameleon is conning them. Boomer reports that the Nomen left on the next shuttle as they promised, and the captured Nomen continues to claim that it was drink and excitement that caused him to activate the bola.

* Sheba points out that if he is running a con, he would want to delay the genetic tests. Apollo is beginning to feel like an "equinus's atrum". Adama points out that they could have [[Tigh (TOS)|Col. Tigh]] run a discreet security check, or even confront Chameleon. Apollo doesn't want to call him a liar to his face, and opts to have Sheba contact Tigh about running the security check.

* Col. Tigh welcomes a batch of prospective recruits to ''Galactica'', then hands them over to Flight Sergeant Omega to escort them to their quarters. Among the new recruits are the Borellian Nomen.

* Cassiopeia extracts a neuro cell from Starbuck and Chameleon in order to run the genetic trace. Starbuck is nervous about the procedure, but it is obvious that he is being a bit of a wimp about the whole thing.

* Apollo comes in during the extraction and asks that Cassie hold up Starbuck so that they can have a word alone with Chameleon.

* Chameleon remarks that Cassiopeia greatly resembles his wife (potentially Starbuck's mother). Starbuck confides that Cassie is the only woman he has considered getting [[seal]]ed to (someday, maybe, when they find Earth).

* Omega drops off the recruits in their quarters and instructs them to find a bunk. The Nomen intimidate another recruit into leaving them a bunk to themselves.

* [[Lomas|Corporal Lomas]] is in charge of the watch, and lets the recruits know that he is there to assist them.

* The Nomen as the Corporal the location of Lieutenant Starbuck, as they wish to thank him for saving their lives during the escape. Lomas informs them that he is located on Beta deck with the rest of Blue Squadron, but that they are not allowed to leave the area until their security checks are completed.

* Boomer and Apollo take Chameleon for a drink in the [[Officer's Club]]. They explain their suspicions that he was using Starbuck in order to get a warrior escort. Chameleon admits that the Nomen might have been throwing the bola at him, because he ran a genetic test that proved that a child was not one of their nephews. However, he did not feel he needed warrior protection. Apollo apologizes for doubting him.

* The Nomen approach Lomas asking for a private room to pray in. They claim that failing to pray in private is an unpardonable sin according to their code. Lomas explains that they are restricted to quarters until their security checks come through, but for the sake of religious freedom Lomas offers to let them use the supply closet. The Nomen knock out Lomas when he turns his back.

* Starbuck encounters Apollo and Boomer in the hallway. Tigh runs into them, and begins to tell Apollo about the results of the security check on Chameleon. Starbuck takes great offense to Apollo and Boomer's doubt, declaring their friendship to be over.

* After Starbuck storms off Tigh reveals that according to fleet records, Chameleon doesn't exist.

* They take this news to Adama in [[Core command]]. They try to figure out what he wants. Boomer speculates that it is protection from the Borellian Nomen. Upon hearing this, Tigh asks for the location of the Borellian Nomen recruits. Omega tries to call the duty desk, but there is no response. A security team is dispatched to apprehend them. Starbuck and Chameleon are to be taken into protective custody.

* The nomen, dressed as deck crew, ask a pair of warriors where they might find Starbuck. The male replies that he is on furlon, but the female says that he is back as she saw him walking towards launch bay alpha with a civilian.

* Starbuck is showing Chameleon around the inside of a [[Viper (TOS)|Viper]] cockpit. He demonstrates where the laser generators are, remarking that when they are activated the button on the control stick unleashes millions of voltons of firepower.

* Starbuck says he's going to miss flying Vipers, but he's going to resign his commission in order to spend time with Chameleon to make up for lost time, helping Chameleon at his job as a genetic tracer.

* Just as Chameleon begins to tell Starbuck what the "truth of the matter is", the Nomen approach. Chameleon ducks into the cockpit, and Starbuck jumps down to investigate.

* The Nomen demand to know the location of "that jackal, Captain Dmitri." Starbuck says that he's alone, and asks what is going on. "A blood hunt," the Nomen replies, as both sides take cover. The sound of charging laser bolas can be heard.

* They exchange bola and laser fire, missing their first vollies. Starbuck is knocked over by a near miss, losing his [[laser pistol]].

* Starbuck runs down the [[Launch tubes|launch tube]], and the Nomen pursue. Chameleon fiddles with the controls, arming the laser generators. Chameleon warns Starbuck, yelling "Son, hit the deck!" He fires the Viper's lasers into the launch bay, as Starbuck drops flat, then jumps and is blown clear of the tube.

* Chameleon rushes to Starbuck's side, but Starbuck appears to be ok aside from the soot. The cavalry arrives. Apollo checks with Starbuck as Boomer and a pair of [[Blackshirt]]s run down the tube to check on the Nomen. Boomer requests medtech assistance, as the Nomen have somehow managed to survive.

* Starbuck explains that the Nomen are on a blood hunt for Captain Dmritri, but he doesn't know of a Captain Dmitri. Chameleon explains that he is Captain Dmitri, sort of.

* Starbuck relates the story to Adama, how during one of his many occupations Chameleon discovered that the Nomen were hoarding supplies (enough parts to build a Viper). Chameleon posed as Captain Dmitri of the [[livestock ship]], and the Nomen paid him to slip them enough livestock to live on for yahrens. When the Nomen discovered they had been conned they went on a blood hunt. Chameleon used Starbuck to get off of the ''Rising Star''.

* Starbuck apologizes to Apollo and Boomer.

* Cassiopeia happily informs Chameleon that the genetic trace is positive, and Chameleon is Starbuck's father. Chameleon asks her to tell Starbuck that it is negative, or else Starbuck will give up everything he loves in order to spend time with an old crook.

* Cassie makes Chameleon promise to tell Starbuck the truth someday. Chameleon agrees, saying that it might be the day Starbuck gets sealed. Cassiopeia scoffs at the prospect of Starbuck ever getting sealed, but Chameleon lets her know that it might not be as unlikely as she thinks.

* Adama asks if Chameleon is his real name. Chameleon says that it is. Adama is pleased, as they have been getting messages from the senior ship from a Siress Blassie. She has agreed to take full responsibility for Chameleon's rehabilitation. Chameleon is hesitant, but Adama orders it to be so.

* Starbuck lets Chameleon know there aren't any hard feelings, and asks if he can stop by now and then to visit as friends. Chameleon is pleased, and is glad that Cassie has kept their secret. Starbuck offers to shuttle Chameleon to the senior ship.

* They leave, having a good time talking about Pyramid systems.

== Questions ==

* Why is Fred Astaire's character, Chameleon, pronounced ''Sha-ME-lee-on'' as opposed to ''Ka-ME-lee-on''?
* How many [[Nomen]] survived the [[Cylon]] attack on the Colonies?
* Did any [[Nomen]] women and/or children survive?
* Considering the size of the average [[Noman]], how could one [[Viper]] assembled from stolen spare parts ferry all of them away from the [[Fleet]] to a habitable world?

== Analysis ==

The Man with Nine Lives is another episode set on the Fleet, which introduces the Borellian Nomen, who return in [[Baltar's Escape]] as well as Chameleon, Starbuck's dad.

Clearly, this episode is a kind of extrapolation of Starbuck's own life. One can imagine Starbuck, further along in years, still playing pyramid and dreaming up schemes, running from people he'd tricked, and mourning the beautiful wife of his youth. Chameleon clearly draws the connection when he compares Cassiopeia to his former spouse, and the story is set up for Starbuck and Cassiopeia to eventually get sealed. Although clearly a Starbuck focused episode, we do see Boomer and even Jolly in this one, and Apollo has a bit of a role to play as well. Fred Astaire pulls off the part with aplomb, and it is nice to see him acting in this, one of his later roles.

The Borellian Nomen remain some of the best Galactica villains, and are in a way precursors to the honor bound Klingons of Star Trek: The Next Generation, complete with bumpy makeup, but this episode was filmed over a year before the release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture where the bumpy headed Klingons first appeared. A broader back story is hinted at, with the mention of the honor 'code', the heirarchy within the group and the unique laser bola weapons.

All in all, a warm episode with some entertaining action. The door is left open at the end of the show for Chameleon to return, and if there had been a second season, perhaps he would have.

== Notes ==

In this episode is a bit of Hollywood history. Fred Astaire, who was famous for his dance numbers in the golden era of movie musicals, had been reluctant to dance in any productions for years, but made rare exceptions. [[The Man with Nine Lives]] is one such exception - in this episode, very briefly, he can be seen to dance!

One oft suggested episode idea for the reimagined series would be to do a remake of The Man with Nine Lives, with [[Dirk Benedict]] cast as the father of [[Kara Thrace]].

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==



Corporal Lomas: I don't know how you guys are ever gonna make warriors.

Lomas turns his back, and is knocked unconscious by Maga who strikes him at the back of his neck.

Maga: We are warriors.

== Guest Stars ==
*[[imdb:nm0000001|Fred Astaire]] as [[Chameleon]]
*[[imdb:nm0420331|Anne Jeffreys]] as [[Blassie|Siress Blassie]]
*[[imdb:nm0499223|Lance LeGault]] as [[Maga]]
*[[imdb:nm0270366|Robert Feero]] as [[Bora]]
*[[imdb:nm0209815|Anthony De Longis]] as [[Taba]]
*[[imdb:nm0942257|Bruce Wright]] as [[Lomas|Corporal Lomas]]
*[[imdb:nm0059114|Dan Barton]] as Crewman
*[[imdb:nm0829986|Patricia Stich]] as [[Zara]]
*[[imdb:nm0662243|Frank Parker]] as [[Zed]]
*[[imdb:nm0402264|Leann Hunley]] as Warrior
*[[imdb:nm0405033|Alex Hyde-White]] as Warrior
*[[imdb:nm0390730|John Holland]] as [[Maitre d’]]
*Lynn Halpern as Pyramid Dealer

{{Episode List (TOS)}}

[[Category:A to Z|Man with Nine Lives, The (TOS)]]
[[Category:TOS|Man with Nine Lives, The (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (TOS)|Man with Nine Lives, The (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Donald Bellisario|Man with Nine Lives, The (TOS)]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Rod Holcomb|Man with Nine Lives, The (TOS)]]

The Long Patrol

2006-09-04T04:46:38Z

OM: /* Questions */

{{Episode Data
| image = Cora.jpg
| title= The Long Patrol
| series= tos
| season=
| episode= 5
| guests=
| writer= [[Donald Bellisario]]
| story=
| director= [[IMDB:nm0638527|Christian I. Nyby II]]
| production=50902
| rating=
| US airdate= 1978-10-15
| UK airdate=
| dvd= 2004-12-28
| population=
| prev= [[The Lost Warrior]]
| next= [[The Gun on Ice Planet Zero, Part I|The Gun on Ice Planet Zero, Part I]]
}}
== Overview ==

: ''After losing an experimental Viper to a smuggler, Starbuck is imprisoned in a "unique" environment.''

== Summary ==

* [[The Fleet (TOS)|The fleet]] is passing through asteroid dust, leaving their star system for the first time. Beyond the dust lies a whole new galaxy that no human in the fleet has seen before.

* [[Adama (TOS)|Adama]] inquires about who the volunteer is, and [[Apollo (TOS)|Apollo]] informs him that it is [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]].

* [[Athena (TOS)|Athena]] is surprised that Starbuck volunteered, until Apollo explains that whoever volunteered to test the new recon [[Viper (TOS)|Viper]] would move to the head of the [[yahren]]-long waiting list to the dining room of [[Rising Star (TOS)|the ''Rising Star'']].

* Athena tells Adama that she had been invited to dinner with Starbuck, but her duty assignment conflicts. Adama agrees to cover her shift along with Colonel Tigh.

* Starbuck and [[Cassiopeia]] arrive on the ''Rising Star''. Starbuck bribes the waiter for a private room (a luxury that usually is reserved 60 to 70 centares in advance).

* Arriving in their private room, Starbuck bribes the waiter for some [[Ambrosa]]. According to the waiter it is as rare as [[Tylium]].

* Cassiopeia leaves the room, promising to return quickly. Starbuck lights up his signature [[fumarello]].

* [[Galactica (TOS)|''Galactica'']]'s scanners detect possible life. Concentrating their scans confirms the presence of life. Adama orders Recon Viper One prepared.

* Athena arrives in Starbuck's private dining room. Starbuck quickly bribes the waiter for yet another private room, citing a (fictional) sanitation ship spoiling the view.

* Athena raves about the [[mushies]], but complains about the lack of fresh protein. Starbuck leaps at a chance to remedy the situation, using it as an excuse to visit his other room.

* Back in Cassiopeia's room, Starbuck claims that they are all out of mushies. Cassiopeia claims that she doesn't mind, as the protein is just fine.

* Starbuck is summoned back to ''Galactica'' over the intercom. He gives Cassiopeia one of his collar insignia as he leaves. He gives Athena is other one for her goodbye.

* Starbuck settles up with the waiter for his dinner for three, costing him all his remaining [[cubit|cubits]]. The waiter admires Starbuck's daring, not in going on the mission, but in juggling the two young ladies. He claims that it is very "pre-war".

* Cassiopeia and Athena encounter each other as they exit, both holding Starbuck's insignia. They quickly realize what has happened.

* Starbuck reports to Recon Viper One wearing civilian clothes. The disguise is designed to hide his status as a [[Colonial Warrior]] should he be forced to land.

* Apollo informs Starbuck that the Recon Viper has double the range and speed of a normal Viper, and has also had a voice activated computer installed.

* Starbuck is instructed to turn on his short-range marker beacon, but to otherwise avoid transmissions to prevent the Cylons from tracking him. Should he make Cylon contact, he is not to return to ''Galactica'' as that would give away the position of the fleet.

* Apollo explains that all the engine upgrades were made possible on the Recon Viper at the expense of the laser generators. The Recon Viper is unarmed.

* Starbuck takes the new craft through some high speed maneuvers, and is impressed with the results.

* Starbuck activates [[CORA]], commenting sarcastically that he'd like to see a computer do that. The computer puts the Recon Viper through a series of turns that forces Starbuck to ask to return to level flight.

* CORA introduces "herself", then begins to set up a scan.

* CORA indicates that two sublight craft have been detected. The Recon Viper slows to sublight to investigate, and finds a [[Sixth-millennium starfighter]] and shuttle. The shuttle is being chased by the fighter.

* Starbuck assumes manual control, and blows by the fighter with his turbo engaged, sending the fighter into a spin and allowing the shuttle to escape. Starbuck then pursues the shuttle, while the fighter returns to [[Proteus]].

* When Starbuck investigates the shuttle, the pilot attempts to sneak up and club him. Caught in the act, the pilot claims he was afraid that Starbuck was the pirate that had been shooting at him. The pilot claims to be a shuttle pilot transporting a load of [[agro]] parts.

* Stabuck inspects the cargo, and finds Ambrosa. The pilot claims that it is 500-yahren old.

* Starbuck starts asking questions about the capabilities of the pirates, when the shuttle pilot gets the drop on him and knocks him out using the Ambrosa bottle.

* The shuttle pilot steals the Recon Viper. CORA asks him to identify himself, but the pilot has her fly him to another asteroid to make a transmission.

* ''Galactica'' detects the transmission, but finds that it is encoded in an unknown format. The crew is concerned about the unauthorized, as well as the use of an unknown code.

* Aboard his [[Basestar (TOS)|basestar]], [[Baltar (TOS)|Baltar]] is informed of the detection of a signal in an unknown code. Baltar orders the launch of [[Cylon Raider|raiders]] to investigate.

* Apollo and Boomer are ordered to seek out and destroy Recon Viper One, in order to stop the transmissions. They are not allowed to attempt to contact the Recon Viper, as it would quickly outmaneuver them if it is hostile.

* Starbuck awakens to discover his Viper gone. He launches the shuttle, only to be shot at by the sixth millennium fighter. Starbuck claims that there is a case of mistaken identity. The [[Croad|fighter pilot]] orders Starbuck to follow him.

* Starbuck is greeted on the ground by armed guards led by Croad. His attempts at talking himself out of the situation fail miserably.

* Apollo and Boomer continue to track the Recon Viper. It has stopped its long range broadcasts, but they are tracking it by its short range marker beacon.

* Starbuck awakens, after his second blow to the head of the day, in a cell. There are strange drawings on the wall.

* The other prisoners all seem to have bottles of Ambrosa. They welcome Starbuck to the prison.

* [[Assault 9]] introduces himself, as well as [[Forger 7]], [[Embezzler 10]], and [[Adulteress 58]].

* Adulteress 58 asks what kind of offense Starbuckin' is, anyway. When Starbuck claims that it isn't an offense, that it is just a name, Forger 7 tells him that they are one in the same. Adulteress 58 wonders if their [[Original Sinner|Original Sinners]] were as ignorant as Starbuck is.

* Assault 9 explains that the Original Sinners are their ancestors, the ones who were first sentenced to Proteus.

* The prisoners are curious for news about the war between the [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|colonies]] and the [[The Alliance|alliance]]. The prisoners believe that the ambrosa they make is supplied to the Colonial Warriors.

* Athena summons Cassiopeia to the bridge to inform her that Starbuck is no longer in control of the Recon Viper, and may be lost or dead.

* The long range transmission is detected again, and Cassiopeia recognizes it as an Aerian Merchant Code.

* They decipher the code, and recognize it as a request for the coordinates to [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Aeries]]. Adama countermands the attack orders to the Vipers. Adama reasons that the pilot of the Recon Viper must be a human that doesn't realize that Aeries is in [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylon]] hands. He orders Apollo and Boomer to investigate further.

* Apollo and Boomer find the Recon Viper unmanned. A lot of equipment appears to have been stripped out of it, likely to make room for cargo.

* Apollo and Boomer come under laser fire. They return fire, and pursue their assailant.

* Boomer sees a crouched figure hiding in the darkness, and just as he fires a woman yells for him to stop and tackles him. The shot goes wide, and the crouched figure is revealed to be a little girl.

* The Viper thief is able to get the drop on Apollo, but when Boomer reports that he has found a woman and a girl, he surrenders to Apollo asking that they not hurt his wife and child.

* [[Robber]] reveals that his Original Sinner was an Aerian robber, and the Aerian merchant code has been passed down the descendents. The [[Proteus enforcers]] are likewise descendents of the original enforcers, and are as trapped as the prisoners.

* Robber and his [[Slayer|wife]] reveal that he stole Starbuck's Viper because he needed a craft capable of reaching Aeries, for the sake of his daughter [[Tanya]].

* ''Galactica'' picks up three Cylon raiders on its sensors. The Cylons appear to be homing in on the location of the Recon Viper, and have not detected the fleet. Adama orders the fleet to change course in order to avoid the Cylons, even though that may strand the patrol.

* Adama comforts [[Boxey (TOS)|Boxey]], who misses his father, by telling him stories of [[Earth]].

* Starbuck is given the prison designation of [[Bootlegger 137]]. An enforcer tries to make Starbuck follow orders, causing Starbuck to break a bottle and dive at his cell bars.

* Starbuck is surprised when he discovers that his cell is unlocked. The prisoners and the enforcers tell him to close the door, but when pressed, the enforcer retreats.

* Assault 9 reveals that the locks haven't worked in generations. The prisoners choose to stay in their cells because they are prisoners, like all their ancestors before them. They are content to contribute their part of the war effort by making Ambrosa for the Colonial Warriors.

* Starbuck reveals that all the Ambrosa is just aging out on the loading docks.

* Croad returns with a group of enforcers to restore order. Croad claims that Starbuck is lying, but Starbuck reveals that he is actually a Colonial Warrior.

* The prisoners leave their cells and overpower the enforcers, demanding to see the loading docks.

* Starbuck asks how much Ambrosa is on the loading docks. Adulteress 58 estimates that it is the product of a thousand lifetimes.

* Three Vipers fly in towards Proteus. Croad claims that they are Cylons, and that Starbuck is a Cylon spy. Starbuck retorts that they are actually Colonial Vipers.

* Boomer and Apollo are appalled that all Starbuck can talk about when they arrive is the Ambrosa. They reveal that ''Galactica'' has altered course, and they cannot locate her.

* The Cylon raiders were picked up by on the scanners of the Vipers. Croad leads a cheer of "Death to the Cylons" as the prisoners head back into the safety of the prison to wait out the fight. Starbuck, Apollo, and Boomer take off in their Vipers to face the raiders.

* Starbuck uses CORA to help act as a diversion to distract the Cylons. The Cylons chase him, allowing the other two Vipers to get in position.

* After the Cylons split up, Starbuck instructs CORA to get ready to execute a maximum-G climb. CORA protests that he'll black out, but Starbuck points out that she will not.

* Starbuck initiates the maneuver, leaving the Cylon that followed to crash into the ground. Boomer and Apollo dispatch the other two raiders, and Starbuck recovers from the blackout.

* CORA reveals that the raider that had chased them crashed into a building containing highly volatile fluids. Starbuck is distraught, as that is his fortune in Ambrosa burning up.

* ''Galactica'' picks up incoming craft on the sensors. The marker beacon reveals that it is the patrol (as well as a shuttle).

* Adama hosts a dinner on the ''Rising Star'' welcoming back the patrol and the new members of the fleet (Robber, and his wife and daughter).

* Boxey gives his father a map he drew. Starbuck corrects the map, saying that the blue planet is out of orbit. When questioned on where he had seen it before, Starbuck recalls that he saw the same map on the wall in his cell.

* Robber tells them about the [[Silent One]], who drew the pictures. The enforcers found him drifting in space. He never said a word.

* Adama reveals that the solar system Boxey drew was based on ancient legends he had learned about the solar system that contains Earth.

== Questions ==

* How many other "lost" colonies and settlements originating from the Twelve Colonies exist?
* What happened to the recon viper?
* Why aren't more voice interfaces like [[CORA]] used (other than the database search in "[[Murder on the Rising Star]]")?
* For that matter, why didn't [[CORA]] appear in subsequent episodes
* Is the map that the [[Silent One|mysterious prisoner]] drew of [[Earth]]? (If [[Galactica 1980]] were to be believed, it is unlikely as Earth lacks the technology for a ship to get out that far.)
* Who exactly was the [[Silent One|mysterious prisoner]]?
* What happens to [[Robber]] and his family after they join [[The Fleet (TOS)|the Fleet]]?
* How many prisoners and/or enforcers survived the Cylon raid, and how many chose either to join [[The Fleet (TOS)|the Fleet]] or remain behind?

== Analysis ==


== Notes ==

* [[CORA|C.O.R.A.]] seems to have inspired [[Glen A. Larson]]'s [[Wikipedia:KITT|K.I.T.T.]] voice bars in ''[[Wikipedia:Knight Rider|Knight Rider]]''.
* [[Adulteress 58]] is played by [[Memoryalpha:Arlene Martel|Arlene Martel]] who played [[Memoryalpha:T'Pring|Spock's wife]] in an episode of the [[Memoryalpha:Star Trek: The Original Series|''Star Trek'' original series]].
* [[Robert Hathaway]], who portrayed the Enforcer, is father of [[Noah Hathaway]], who plays [[Boxey (TOS)|Boxey]]

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==


* '''Starbuck''': A hot pilot doesn't need all that electronic felgercarb.

== Guest Stars ==
*[[imdb:nm0926215|James Whitmore Jr.]] as [[Robber]]
*[[imdb:nm0311811|Ted Gehring]] as [[Croad]]
*[[imdb:nm0565887|Sean McClory]] as [[Assault]]
*[[Arlene Martel|Tasha (Arlene) Martel]] as [[Adulteress]]
*[[imdb:nm0000718|Ian Ambercrombie]] as [[Forger]]
*[[imdb:nm1382203|Robert Hathaway]] as [[Enforcer]]
*[[imdb:nm1049328|Nancy Decarl]] as [[Slayer]]
*[[imdb:nm0656826|Cathy Paine]] as [[CORA|Voice of C.O.R.A.]] (uncredited)
*[[imdb:nm0390730|John Holland]] as [[Maitre d']] (uncredited)

{{Episode List (TOS)}}

[[Category:A to Z|Long Patrol, The]]
[[Category:TOS|Long Patrol, The]]
[[Category:Episode Guide (TOS)|Long Patrol, The]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Donald Bellisario|Long Patrol, The]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Christian I. Nyby II|Long Patrol, The]]

Cyrannus

2006-09-04T04:39:07Z

OM: /* Example of a Binary Star System */

{{NPOV}}
==Overview==

'''Cyrannus''' (also spelled "Cyranus") is the name of the solar system containing the worlds of the Twelve Colonies of Man in the [[Video Game|Battlestar Galactica video game]], published in 2003.

The 2003 video game has its own continuity (as opposed to the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] or [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]) that draws from elements of the Original Series and the [[Thousand Yahren War]] and elements apparently slated for the [[Battlestar Galactica (SDS)|first revival attempt of "Battlestar Galactica"]] as a new TV series by Bryan Singer and Tom DeSanto in 2001.

The name "Cyrannus" has also been used in one [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] episode, "[[The Long Patrol]]", but not to describe a solar system (see [[Cyrannus#Origin of the Name in the Original Series|the section on the use of the term in the Original Series]]).

*No aired episode of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] has used "Cyrannus" as the name of their solar system. Therefore, the [[canon|official name]] of the solar system of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]] for the Re-imagined Series is unknown.
*It's not known in the video game whether Cyrannus is a single star with multiple life-bearing planets, or a [[#Binary Stars|binary]], a trinary star system, or an [[#Open Star Clusters|open cluster]] of stars.

== The Problem of "Cyrannus" and 12 Earth-like planets ==

While it has been ascertained through searches undertaken from both the surface of the Earth and the [[Wikipedia:Hubble_Space_Telescope|Hubble Space Telescope]] that there are a large number of planets orbiting sunlike stars in our galaxy, most of the planets discovered to date are clssified as gas giants, similar in size and potentialy in composition as the planet [[Wikipedia:Jupiter_%28planet%29|Jupiter]] in our own solar system. However, it is very hard for modern telescopes to discern Earth-sized worlds, so currently gas giants are the main planets being discovered.

Further, it is believed that there is a very narrow band of space around a star that will encourage the formation of life-bearing planets (the so-called "Goldilocks Zone"). This is a region of space where the heat from the sun is neither too hot nor too cold to allow for the stable presence of liquid water, which is a prerequisite for the natural development of life through chemical and then organic means (life on Earth, at any rate). However, it is possible, albeit unlikely, that all of the Twelve Worlds are on the same orbital path that goes through this zone.

Some fans have claimed that is highly improbable that a single star would have no fewer than twelve planets and moons orbiting a star within the "zone of life" for that star. Moreover, they claim that a system with this many planets would probably be dynamically unstable. However, that is dependent on the definition of a planet. A recent proposal has defined a planet as "a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around a star, and is neither a star nor a satellite of a planet." Under this definition, bodies that would originally have been considered nothing more than spherical asteroids are now classified as "dwarf planets."

It is possible that the Twelve Colonies could be composed mostly of dwarf planets, which are small enough to all fit in the so-called "Goldilocks Zone". Then the only problem would be gravity and the Colonials obviously have artificial gravity technology. They could also have the ability to carry out considerable [[Wikipedia: Terraforming|terraforming]].

A limited degree of terraforming is possible even with Earth-level technology, however, so it is not entirely implausible. Moreover, the number of candidates for terraforming may be higher than conventionally assumed; in our solar system, for example, they may include the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. In the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]], Caprica is depicted as Earthlike, but the other Colonies are not shown, so they may well be non-Earthlike worlds, or may have been moons terraformed into planets.

The concept of one or more moons of a gas giant being habitable has come under serious negative light by astronomers of late. In June of 2006, Dr. Robin Canup and Dr. William Ward of the SwRI Space Studies Department released a theory that proposes the presence of gas, primarily hydrogen, during the formation of these satellites would limit their growth to levels that would not be conductive for evolution of habitable biospheres. According to their theory, as a gas planet forms it accumulates both hydrogen gas and solids such as rock and ice. What was not initailly absorbed into the proto-giant would instead coalesce into a disk of gas and solids orbiting the planet in its equatorial plane with a rotation matching the direction of spin of the proto-giant itself. It is within this disk that the satellites are believed to form.

Canup and Ward considered that a growing satellite’s gravity induces spiral waves in a surrounding gas disk, and that gravitational interactions between these waves and the satellite cause the satellite’s orbit to contract. This effect becomes stronger as a satellite grows, so that the bigger a satellite gets, the faster its orbit spirals inward toward the planet. The team proposes that the balance of two processes — the ongoing inflow of material to the satellites during their growth and the loss of satellites to collision with the planet — implies a maximum size for a gas planet satellite consistent with observations.

Using both numerical simulations and analytical estimates of the growth and loss of satellites, the team shows that multiple generations of satellites were likely, with today’s satellites being the last surviving generation that formed as the planet’s growth ceased and the gas disk dissipated. Canup and Ward demonstrate that during multiple cycles of satellite growth and loss, the fraction of the planet’s mass contained in its satellites at any given time maintains a value not very different from 0.0001 across a wide range of model parameter choices.

With this in mind, unless the Cyrannus system possessed gas giants far closer to brown dwarf size than our own Jupiter or Saturn, the odds of naturally-occurring habitable satellites being any of the 12 Colonies is highly unlikely. This applies to moons such as Yavin, or some other moons seen on the various "Star Trek" series.

==Binary Stars==
[[Wikipedia:Binary_stars|Binary stars]] are stars bound by a common gravitational force such that they orbit around a common point in space. Their spectral types can vary quite widely, and it is questionable as to whether all binaries will be capable of producing stable planets due to the degree of gravitational flux between the stars.

Binary star systems can also form the center of hierarchical triple (trinary) systems (a binary system with a third star orbiting both) at a much greater distance.

Cyrannus might be considered a binary star system because such systems, while containing multiple stars, are often referred to by a single name.
A binary star system, with stars in the G-K spectral range offer the possibility that each star develops its own Goldilocks Zone and habitable planets therein. The changing distance between the two stars as they orbit each other could conceivably encourage the use of some form of FTL travel to move rapidly between worlds orbiting either star.

=== Example of a Binary Star System ===

The [[Wikipedia:Alpha Centauri|Alpha Centauri]] system is a prime example of both a binary star system and an hierarchial triple star system, a multiple-star system having a single name.

Alpha Centauri - also known as "Rigil Kentaurus", "Rigil Kent", or "Al Rijl al Kentauru" - comprises a true binary system. The two stars are named Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B in order of size. Alpha B is slightly smaller than A, and it should be noted that Alpha B is sometimes incorrectly referred to as "Beta Centauri" in science fiction works; The true Beta Centauri, although visibly "closer" to Alpha A and B, is actually some 520 Light Years distant. Both of the Alpha Centauri stars are of the correct spectral types to sustain life-bearing planets, and are only slightly hotter and brighter than our own Sun.

A third star at a much greater distance is Proxima Centauri, which until recently was believed to be graviametrically in motion with the the system, resulting in its inclusion as an hierarchial triple. After decades of study of the relative motions of the three stars of this particular group of stars, astronomers are now divided on whether or not Proxima is actually part of the Alpha binary. At a distance to Alpha Centauri of just 1/20th of Proxima Centauri's distance to the Sun, Proxima may actually be in orbit about both Alpha stars, with an orbital period on the order of 500,000 years or more. Some adherents to this theory now tend to refer to Proxima as Alpha Centauri C. Other interpretations of the data show that an equally strong possibility exists that that Proxima may not actually be in orbit, but merely passing nearby. Proponents of this "just passing through" theory are, to their credit, quick to acknowledge that they cannot rule out Proxima being somehow associated with the Alpha pair as all three stars share approximately the same observed motion through space.

In any case, while our closest known stellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri is classified as a red dwarf, and thus is believed incapable of bearing life-sustaining planets.

==Open Star Clusters==

Open star clusters, as their name suggests, are groupings of multiple stars in relatively close proximity to one another which are not bound together by gravity (although a star cluster can contain [[#Binary Stars|binaries]] among its number). Due to the number of stars within a cluster, the possibly of several being able to support life-bearing planets might be considered high.

There are several advantages in considering Cyrannus to represent a star cluster, or for the Twelve Colonies of Man to be within an open star cluster:

* A star cluster may present a much large number of stars capable of supporting life-bearing planets
* The distances between stars would be much greater than a binary system, and would help explain why some vessels operated by the Colonials are so luxuriously equipped or outfitted for long duration flights, as it would most likely require vessels to make multiple jumps between stars, thus measuring journey times in terms of days (or possibly weeks).
* A star cluster might explain why the Colonials don't appear to have undertaken much in the way of really deep-space exploration. They might have been engaged in simply surveying other stars within the cluster, but at the same time being oblivious to the precise location of [[Kobol]] relative to their own worlds.
* A star cluster would give the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]] ample opportunity to hide away from Colonial eyes, while still monitoring (and perhaps influencing) Colonial activities.

===Example of an Open Star Cluster===

The [[Wikipedia:Pleiades_%28star_cluster%29|Pleiades]] cluster is a classic exmaple of an open star cluster, although it is one that contains relatively young stars, many of which are burning too hot to sustain life-bearing planets.

==Origin of the Name in the Original Series==

In "[[The Long Patrol]]", [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] refers to the [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]] as being in the "Cyranus Galaxy". This may be an error on the part of the series writers on the grounds that:

* The Colonials are seeking [[Earth]], and so must be travelling within the Milky Way Galaxy
* The [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] neither shows nor implies any inter-galactic travel.

Counterpoints:

*Earth in the Original Series does not have to be the Earth of the Milky Way Galaxy.
*The Original Series may use a different name for our galaxy, so inter-galatic travel is not necessarily implied.
*The Original Series may use a different definition for the word galaxy to mean solar system or sector. There are several examples in the series that appear to bear this out.
**The lead Centurion in [[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]] orders their Raiders on patrol deeper into the galaxy.
**The episode "[[Saga of a Star World (TOS)|Saga of a Star World]]" makes clear that a [[Raider]] needed to refuel to reach the Colonies from [[Cylons (TOS)|the Cylon Empire]].

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Planets]]
[[Category:Video Game]]

Cyrannus

2006-09-04T04:22:48Z

OM: /* The Problem of "Cyrannus" and 12 Earth-like planets */

{{NPOV}}
==Overview==

'''Cyrannus''' (also spelled "Cyranus") is the name of the solar system containing the worlds of the Twelve Colonies of Man in the [[Video Game|Battlestar Galactica video game]], published in 2003.

The 2003 video game has its own continuity (as opposed to the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] or [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]) that draws from elements of the Original Series and the [[Thousand Yahren War]] and elements apparently slated for the [[Battlestar Galactica (SDS)|first revival attempt of "Battlestar Galactica"]] as a new TV series by Bryan Singer and Tom DeSanto in 2001.

The name "Cyrannus" has also been used in one [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] episode, "[[The Long Patrol]]", but not to describe a solar system (see [[Cyrannus#Origin of the Name in the Original Series|the section on the use of the term in the Original Series]]).

*No aired episode of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] has used "Cyrannus" as the name of their solar system. Therefore, the [[canon|official name]] of the solar system of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]] for the Re-imagined Series is unknown.
*It's not known in the video game whether Cyrannus is a single star with multiple life-bearing planets, or a [[#Binary Stars|binary]], a trinary star system, or an [[#Open Star Clusters|open cluster]] of stars.

== The Problem of "Cyrannus" and 12 Earth-like planets ==

While it has been ascertained through searches undertaken from both the surface of the Earth and the [[Wikipedia:Hubble_Space_Telescope|Hubble Space Telescope]] that there are a large number of planets orbiting sunlike stars in our galaxy, most of the planets discovered to date are clssified as gas giants, similar in size and potentialy in composition as the planet [[Wikipedia:Jupiter_%28planet%29|Jupiter]] in our own solar system. However, it is very hard for modern telescopes to discern Earth-sized worlds, so currently gas giants are the main planets being discovered.

Further, it is believed that there is a very narrow band of space around a star that will encourage the formation of life-bearing planets (the so-called "Goldilocks Zone"). This is a region of space where the heat from the sun is neither too hot nor too cold to allow for the stable presence of liquid water, which is a prerequisite for the natural development of life through chemical and then organic means (life on Earth, at any rate). However, it is possible, albeit unlikely, that all of the Twelve Worlds are on the same orbital path that goes through this zone.

Some fans have claimed that is highly improbable that a single star would have no fewer than twelve planets and moons orbiting a star within the "zone of life" for that star. Moreover, they claim that a system with this many planets would probably be dynamically unstable. However, that is dependent on the definition of a planet. A recent proposal has defined a planet as "a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around a star, and is neither a star nor a satellite of a planet." Under this definition, bodies that would originally have been considered nothing more than spherical asteroids are now classified as "dwarf planets."

It is possible that the Twelve Colonies could be composed mostly of dwarf planets, which are small enough to all fit in the so-called "Goldilocks Zone". Then the only problem would be gravity and the Colonials obviously have artificial gravity technology. They could also have the ability to carry out considerable [[Wikipedia: Terraforming|terraforming]].

A limited degree of terraforming is possible even with Earth-level technology, however, so it is not entirely implausible. Moreover, the number of candidates for terraforming may be higher than conventionally assumed; in our solar system, for example, they may include the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. In the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]], Caprica is depicted as Earthlike, but the other Colonies are not shown, so they may well be non-Earthlike worlds, or may have been moons terraformed into planets.

The concept of one or more moons of a gas giant being habitable has come under serious negative light by astronomers of late. In June of 2006, Dr. Robin Canup and Dr. William Ward of the SwRI Space Studies Department released a theory that proposes the presence of gas, primarily hydrogen, during the formation of these satellites would limit their growth to levels that would not be conductive for evolution of habitable biospheres. According to their theory, as a gas planet forms it accumulates both hydrogen gas and solids such as rock and ice. What was not initailly absorbed into the proto-giant would instead coalesce into a disk of gas and solids orbiting the planet in its equatorial plane with a rotation matching the direction of spin of the proto-giant itself. It is within this disk that the satellites are believed to form.

Canup and Ward considered that a growing satellite’s gravity induces spiral waves in a surrounding gas disk, and that gravitational interactions between these waves and the satellite cause the satellite’s orbit to contract. This effect becomes stronger as a satellite grows, so that the bigger a satellite gets, the faster its orbit spirals inward toward the planet. The team proposes that the balance of two processes — the ongoing inflow of material to the satellites during their growth and the loss of satellites to collision with the planet — implies a maximum size for a gas planet satellite consistent with observations.

Using both numerical simulations and analytical estimates of the growth and loss of satellites, the team shows that multiple generations of satellites were likely, with today’s satellites being the last surviving generation that formed as the planet’s growth ceased and the gas disk dissipated. Canup and Ward demonstrate that during multiple cycles of satellite growth and loss, the fraction of the planet’s mass contained in its satellites at any given time maintains a value not very different from 0.0001 across a wide range of model parameter choices.

With this in mind, unless the Cyrannus system possessed gas giants far closer to brown dwarf size than our own Jupiter or Saturn, the odds of naturally-occurring habitable satellites being any of the 12 Colonies is highly unlikely. This applies to moons such as Yavin, or some other moons seen on the various "Star Trek" series.

==Binary Stars==
[[Wikipedia:Binary_stars|Binary stars]] are stars bound by a common gravitational force such that they orbit around a common point in space. Their spectral types can vary quite widely, and it is questionable as to whether all binaries will be capable of producing stable planets due to the degree of gravitational flux between the stars.

Binary star systems can also form the center of hierarchical triple (trinary) systems (a binary system with a third star orbiting both) at a much greater distance.

Cyrannus might be considered a binary star system because such systems, while containing multiple stars, are often referred to by a single name.
A binary star system, with stars in the G-K spectral range offer the possibility that each star develops its own Goldilocks Zone and habitable planets therein. The changing distance between the two stars as they orbit each other could conceivably encourage the use of some form of FTL travel to move rapidly between worlds orbiting either star.

=== Example of a Binary Star System ===

The [[Wikipedia:Alpha Centauri|Alpha Centauri]] system is a prime example of both a binary star system and an hierarchial triple star system, a multiple-star system having a single name.

Alpha Centauri comprises a true binary system, Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B, both of which are of the correct spectral types to sustain life-bearing planets. They in turn are orbited by a third star at a much greater distance (Proxima Centauri), thus making the system an hierarchial triple. Proxima Centauri is classified as a red dwarf, and thus is believed incapable of bearing life-sustaining planets.

==Open Star Clusters==

Open star clusters, as their name suggests, are groupings of multiple stars in relatively close proximity to one another which are not bound together by gravity (although a star cluster can contain [[#Binary Stars|binaries]] among its number). Due to the number of stars within a cluster, the possibly of several being able to support life-bearing planets might be considered high.

There are several advantages in considering Cyrannus to represent a star cluster, or for the Twelve Colonies of Man to be within an open star cluster:

* A star cluster may present a much large number of stars capable of supporting life-bearing planets
* The distances between stars would be much greater than a binary system, and would help explain why some vessels operated by the Colonials are so luxuriously equipped or outfitted for long duration flights, as it would most likely require vessels to make multiple jumps between stars, thus measuring journey times in terms of days (or possibly weeks).
* A star cluster might explain why the Colonials don't appear to have undertaken much in the way of really deep-space exploration. They might have been engaged in simply surveying other stars within the cluster, but at the same time being oblivious to the precise location of [[Kobol]] relative to their own worlds.
* A star cluster would give the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]] ample opportunity to hide away from Colonial eyes, while still monitoring (and perhaps influencing) Colonial activities.

===Example of an Open Star Cluster===

The [[Wikipedia:Pleiades_%28star_cluster%29|Pleiades]] cluster is a classic exmaple of an open star cluster, although it is one that contains relatively young stars, many of which are burning too hot to sustain life-bearing planets.

==Origin of the Name in the Original Series==

In "[[The Long Patrol]]", [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] refers to the [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]] as being in the "Cyranus Galaxy". This may be an error on the part of the series writers on the grounds that:

* The Colonials are seeking [[Earth]], and so must be travelling within the Milky Way Galaxy
* The [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] neither shows nor implies any inter-galactic travel.

Counterpoints:

*Earth in the Original Series does not have to be the Earth of the Milky Way Galaxy.
*The Original Series may use a different name for our galaxy, so inter-galatic travel is not necessarily implied.
*The Original Series may use a different definition for the word galaxy to mean solar system or sector. There are several examples in the series that appear to bear this out.
**The lead Centurion in [[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]] orders their Raiders on patrol deeper into the galaxy.
**The episode "[[Saga of a Star World (TOS)|Saga of a Star World]]" makes clear that a [[Raider]] needed to refuel to reach the Colonies from [[Cylons (TOS)|the Cylon Empire]].

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Planets]]
[[Category:Video Game]]