Tandua

Tandua is subject to tidal forces, chiefly from the gravity of Terrisus and Mycelia. These tidal forces contribute to the heat that keeps the oceans liquid, as well as create the tides and currents, and influence the winds.

When Tandua was discovered in 2495 (then an unnamed body), it was completely frozen, bearing a resemblance to the moon Actis. In 2570, a plan was devised to modify the orbit of Kepule's former thirteenth moon enough for it to collide with the frozen surface of Tandua, delivering a tremendous amount of energy to the ice, melting it and releasing an atmosphere. Impact occurred in 2609, and the first humans stood on the surface in 2631. Colonization and industrialization on a massive scale took place in order to create a denser, more oxygenated atmosphere. This would also serve to prevent Tandua from refreezing. The cooling benefits of liquid water made Tandua's industrialists eager to put down foundations. The atmosphere was officially declared safe to breathe without technological aid or biological enhancements in 2715.

In 2634, following the impact and settling of debris, an array of twelve orbital mirrors were constructed, each with a diameter of 500 meters. These mirrors redirect sunlight onto Tandua's surface, providing additional heat and light. Originally, the mirrors had a reflectivity of about 97%. This value has degraded to about 94% since their construction due to dust particles and impacts from micrometeorites and other orbital debris. The mirrors have been maintained by automated drones and sophonts alike over the years.