Flatus-Prime Atmosphere
The Flatus-Prime Atmosphere is a hypervolatile gaseous system dominated by combustible hydrocarbons and reducing agents. It represents the unstable extreme of the Flatus Atmosphere class β a world perpetually on the edge of self-detonation. Chemically, it is both beautiful and catastrophic: transparent seas of flammable vapor, bound only by the mercy of pressure gradients and divine chance.
Composition and Reactivity
The primary constituents β Methane and Hydrogen Sulfide β combine to form a dense, reactive base. Trace Oxygen pockets drift like ghostly ignition cores, igniting spontaneously when solar radiation breaches cloud cover. Ammonia vapors buffer acidity but contribute additional instability through exothermic oxidation.
| Property | Value / Behavior |
|---|---|
| Atmospheric Pressure | 1.2 atm (variable with heat fronts) |
| Ignition Threshold | 290 K (direct sunlight sufficient) |
| Combustion Velocity | 5β9 km/s |
| Energy Density | 1.7Γ TNT equivalent per cubic meter |
| Oxidation Half-Life | < 4 minutes without re-reduction |
Atmospheric Phenomena
- Fire Cyclones: Vertical ignition vortices spiraling hundreds of kilometers high; they migrate like living storms.
- Thunder Veins: Lightning discharges travel through unburned layers, leaving trails of ionized gas that glow deep violet.
- Auric Detonations: Chain-reaction firewaves circle the globe when magnetospheric shifts disturb oxygen plumes.
- Fume Oceans: Dense methane-ammonia layers form reflective pools that shimmer like liquid bronze before erupting.
Ecological Context
No known native life can survive unprotected; however, evidence of molecular symbiotes β catalytic nanobacteria within ammonia pockets β suggests early biochemical experimentation by divine or artificial agents. Terraforming attempts have failed due to runaway combustion cycles, though psionically shielded stations briefly operate within the upper atmosphere.
Scholars theorize that Flatus-Prime worlds are the alchemical remnants of failed biospheres β planets once Carboniferous, ignited beyond recovery when photosynthetic oxygen exceeded stability thresholds.
Mythic and Theological Resonance
The Order of the Ash-Star regards Flatus-Prime worlds as the βlungs of divine wrath,β burned out by their own exhalation. In Continuum mythology, such atmospheres are punishments for pride β planets that tried to become stars. The faithful speak of *the Eternal Combustion*, a divine metaphor where will and matter annihilate one another in perfect balance.
Scientific Implications
Exo-chemists classify Flatus-Prime environments as Combustion Type-Ξ©, where oxidation and reduction exist in simultaneous equilibrium. Despite lethal volatility, they provide valuable data on planetary thermochemical limits and the boundary between gas-giant and proto-star formation.
Research drones record stochastic flame topology, where reaction fronts self-organize into fractal spirals resembling neural patterns β a possible hint that such worlds βthinkβ through fire.
Associated Gases
Hydrogen Sulfide β’ Methane β’ Oxygen β’ Ammonia β’ Helium