Astronomy of Istria

The unique astronomy of Istria is by far its most defining feature. Istria's solar system is binary - it orbits two suns, Chende and Atlo. This bizarre orbital pattern has an incredible important effect on the climate of Istria .

Though there are no other known planets in the Istrian system, Istria itself is orbited by three moons, Anaki, Konli, and Fikin, and has a planetary ring.

Istria's Orbit
Istria orbits these suns in the shape of a figure eight, meaning that during one half of its orbit, it orbits around Chende and during the other it orbits around Atlo.

In addition, Istria orbits its suns in such a way that its axis of rotation is always pointing directly towards the center of the nearest sun, as illustrated in this diagram:



''White = Istria Yellow = Chende Red = Atlo Green = Istria's axis of rotation''

Because of the behavior of Istria's axis as it revolves around its suns, the Northern Hemisphere (the side of Istria from which the green arrow is pointing in the diagram) will always be facing Chende when Istria is revolving around Chende, and the Southern Hemisphere will always be facing Atlo when revolving around Atlo. This has led the inhabitants of Istria to associate the Northern Hemisphere with Chende, and similarly, the Southern Hemisphere with Atlo. In fact, Istrians will often refer to a hemisphere by the name of the the name of its associated sun.

Effect on Climate
As one might imagine, the particular orbit of Istria has a profound effect on its climate that has shaped the history of its people since the beginning of recorded history, and continues to guide it to the present day.

Chende
Istria's yellow sun is named Chende, and, according to fable, was formed by the sacrifice of Borias during the First Age in an effort to save humanity.

Atlo
Istria's red sun is named Atlo, and, according to fable, was formed by the sacrifice of Austral during the First Age in an effort to save humanity.

Anaki
Anaki was turned into a cube during the Dark Age. It was at one point home to a base of mind-flayers intent on stealing the dreams of all Istria, but the base has lain abandoned in the intervening centuries.

Konli
Konli is a largely non-descript spherical moon.

Fikin
Fikin is a largely non-descript spherical moon.