The Fixed Stars are the bright stars, more properly small moons, in the sky of Helevos. They are so called because they hold a fixed point in the night sky relative to the ground. There are thought to be four fixed stars, circling the heavens at the four quarters of the globe. Only three are visible in the skies of the Civilised World, the fourth being only vision on the Obverse.
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They are essential for navigation, enabling travellers and seafarers to pinpoint their longitude and latitude by taking bearings on two of the fixed stars.
Only three stars can be seen from the Civilised World. From a position beneath the Yending Star, the meridian line for measuring longitude, the other two can just be seen above the horizons to the east and west. Astronomers postulate a fourth star, but this would only be visible on the far side of the world.
The fixed stars can easily be seen with the naked eye as the brightest white stars in the sky. Some astronomers and astrologers have declared that viewed through a telescope they are all different shapes, having ‘wings’ or ‘tails’ or other features relating to mythological beasts. Some primitive societies have even seen them as gods, but most civilisations view them as markers in the heavens, left by old gods or the Godmen.
Although there are four stars, only three are visible above the Civilised World, and due to their position it is only possible to see two at any one time. These are their ‘official’ names in old Mayapo, although there are many regional variations:
Because the stars appear to constantly hang above a fixed point on the earth, navigators can use one or two stars to calculate their exact latitude and longitude, using a navigational device called an astrolode.
An astrolode combines an astrolabe (used to calculate the height of a star) and a magnetic compass. Longitude can be calculated from the elevation of the star: the lower the angle, the further north you are. Latitude is calculated by using a compass to determine the direction of the fixed star. When a fixed star lies due north or south of a ship (ie the star has a bearing of 0 or 180 degrees), they are on the meridian line of that star. The angle increases the further east or west a ship goes.
Two fixed stars can be used to calculate a very accurate location, assuming the navigator has the right tools, charts and mathematical and navigational skill. Using two stars is ideal, but close to the Yending meridian the two neighbouring stars only appear on the horizon.
Despite being called Fixed Stars, in fact they are huge artificial spheres, ancient geo-stationary satellites in geostationary equatorial orbits.
Each of the original four was once the control centre for a whole network of automated satellites with various functions: orbital defence, communications, micro-G industry, as well as collecting and transferring solar energy to relays on the surface. They were designed to be entirely automated, with a solid core surrounded by nano utility foam, a material capable of taking on an infinite variety of shapes and properties. The stations have been self-maintaining for almost twelve millennia, using self-replicating remotes to scavenge raw materials from orbital debris, carry out repairs, and manufacture new components when necessary.
Their accompanying satellite networks have long since collapsed, and most now operate on absolute minimum capacity. They were programmed to watch for approaching space craft, and to warn intruders to stay away from the surface. They even had the capacity to take hostile action if necessary. Today, ten millennia after any active human maintenance, only one retains any communications and defence capability.