New Caprica

For the Video Game's "New Caprica", see New Caprica (Video Game).

New Caprica, as seen from space

New Caprica is the name given to the harsh but fairly habitable planet found by The Fleet. It is discovered by Racetrack by mere happenstance -- after her Raptor Jumps to the wrong coordinates during a rescue mission to Caprica. Initial surveys revealed plants and animals on the surface, although they appeared to be confined to a temperate belt near the equator.

Due to the surrounding nebulae, DRADIS is rendered practically useless around New Caprica -- an attribute which makes the planet prime for colonization by the survivors of the Fleet. With this news, and unable to join up with the other Raptors on the rescue mission, Racetrack returns to Galactica with information and sensor readings on the planet.

The planet later becomes a galvanizing issue that Tom Zarek believes -- correctly, as it turns out -- would swing the Presidential election vote in Baltar's favor (Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I).

Upon Baltar's ascension to the presidency, the President orders the colonization of the planet. Settling on the planet, the major population center on New Caprica becomes New Caprica City. Over a year after settlement, there are major shortages of basic living materials and medical supplies. Most of the population still live in canvas tents instead of permanent homes of some sort. It appears many among the population of New Caprica City, including Galen Tyrol and the workers' union which he now leads, blame President Gaius Baltar and his lack of leadership as President for most or all of the continuing economic/social problems facing the settlers on New Caprica (Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II).

New Caprica City, complete with tents and a basic road infastructure

On the 380th day after colonization, the Cylons discover New Caprica, attracted by the energy signature caused by the detonation of a nuclear warhead that destroyed Cloud 9. When the Cylon fleet jumps into orbit, the orbiting remains of the Fleet (including battlestars Galactica and Pegasus) Jump away to an unknown location while President Baltar surrenders (Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II). The permanance of New Caprica as a homeworld for humanity under Cylon occupation is questionable.

The exact population of New Caprica City is 39,192.

Significant characters left behind on New Caprica when the Cylons arrive at the season 2 cliffhanger, "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II," include former President Laura Roslin and current President Gaius Baltar, Colonel Saul Tigh and his wife Ellen, Major Cottle, Captain Kara Thrace and her husband Samuel Anders, Chief Galen Tyrol and his wife Cally, Presidential aide Felix Gaeta, Maya and her adopted daughter Isis.

There are at least two ships of the Fleet seen at New Caprica City: Colonial One and the Astral Queen. In addition there is at least one atmospheric shuttle and a Raptor used as a communications link to the Fleet in orbit.

Cylon facilities on New Caprica include the New Caprica Detention Center (The Resistance).

The Cylon occupation has lead to numerous security restrictions and heightened levels of control and repression on the planet. In Occupation, there are nightly overflights of Cylon Raiders with searchlight sweeps. The New Caprica Police perpetrate crackdowns on Cylon-approved lists of supposed insurgents. There are also announcements over the municipal intercom system concerning food rations.

The government of New Caprica post-occupation is composed of the puppet administration of Gaius Baltar, and is controlled by Cylon elements. The Baltar administration rules "in name only," according to Laura Roslin. Behind him, there are at least two Cylon-owned ministries. One operates the detention facility, the other internal security.

Spoiler follows, highlight to read.
After the Cylons have occupied New Caprica, they began collaborating with President Baltar, creating a human police force aiding the Cylons. They wear black ski masks, blue body armor, and a green uniform with a white armband with a dark letter "C". They have been seen as prison guards and rounding up other citizens.