Methane

Overview

Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon and a primary component of reducing atmospheres throughout the Continuum Universes. It is both a fuel and a sign of active biochemistry, produced by microbial decay and geothermal synthesis alike. On psionic worlds, methane’s volatility becomes symbolically linked with ignition, chaos, and rebirth.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Methane consists of a single carbon atom tetrahedrally bonded to four hydrogens. It burns with a pale blue flame, releasing Carbon Dioxide and Water. Under high pressure or cold temperatures, it forms crystalline clathrates — solid lattices that trap methane molecules in water ice. In psionic chemistry, excited methane clouds emit faint luminescence, termed *ethereal fire*.

Phases

• **Gas:** Dominant in Flatus and Flatus-Prime Atmosphere worlds; highly combustible.
• **Liquid:** Exists under cryogenic conditions, forming lakes on outer Continuum worlds.
• **Clathrate:** Solid inclusion within ice crusts, forming explosive “cryofuel veins.”

Uses and Occurrences

• Fuel for combustion and fusion hybrid reactors.
• Found in Flatus atmospheres and Thalassogenic Atmosphere sediments.
• Sacred fuel in divine forges symbolizing rebirth through flame.

Related Atmospheres

• Flatus
• Flatus-Prime Atmosphere
• Permian-Like Atmosphere

Trivia

• Known as the “Laughing Fire” in divine scripture for its sudden, joyful ignition.
• Some Continuum priests used burning methane as a purification flame in sky temples.