Reach
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
| Reach | |
|---|---|
| |
| Astrographical | |
|
System: |
|
|
Orbiting: |
|
|
Orbital position: |
Second planet[1] |
|
Moon(s): |
Two; Csodaszarvas, Turul[1] |
| Physical | |
|
Diameter: |
15,273 kilometers (9,490 mi)[2] |
|
Gravity: |
1.08 G[1] |
|
Length of day: |
27 hours[1] |
|
Length of year: |
390 days[1] |
|
Atmosphere: |
|
|
Surface temperature: |
-26°C to 42°C (-15°F to 108°F)[3] |
| Societal | |
|
Demonym: |
Reavian[4] |
|
Species: |
|
|
Population: |
|
|
Colonized: |
|
|
Government: |
|
- "...our fortress among the stars."
- — Dr. Catherine Halsey[6]
Reach, also known as Epsilon Eridani II[3][7][8] and referred to by the Sangheili as Sovolanu,[9] is a human colony world in the Epsilon Eridani system, located within the Inner Colonies and is the sister planet of Earth itself. At 10.5 light years from the Sol system, it is located at Earth's metaphorical doorstep. Reach is the fourth largest planet in the Epsilon Eridani system, and second closest to the star Epsilon Eridani.[1]
Once home to a Forerunner presence, Reach held considerable importance to the United Nations Space Command as the nexus of its military and the site of many military-industrial facilities such as shipyards. It was also significant for being one of the largest producers of titanium, which is plentiful on the planet. Though most commonly recognized for its status as a military world, Reach was also humanity's most populous colony world,[10][11] its civilian population living in its preplanned cities or defying the planet's harsh nature in sturdy pioneer settlements.[1] It was considered a center for civilian enterprise and logistical hub.[12][13]
Reach became the target of a Covenant invasion in 2552. Although the planet was defended by the UNSC for several weeks, Reach eventually fell to the Covenant, resulting in the planet's glassing in one of the most decisive defeats suffered by humanity over the course of the Human-Covenant War and the demise of the majority of its population.
Overview[edit]
Orbital characteristics[edit]
Reach has a strong aurora phenomenon, to the extent the planet is covered in an "aura" of aurorae.[14] Reach has two natural satellites; the large, ringed Csodaszarvas and the small, cratered Turul which was captured into Reach's orbit as recently as some 70-80 thousand years ago.[15] Reach's oceans also experience strong tidal phenomena.[16]
Orbital locations[edit]
- Anchor 9
- Casimir Station
- Medical Facility Endurance
- Reach Station Gamma
- 20 Orbital defense platforms
- Reach orbital shipyards
Environmental features[edit]
For a young planet with an age of less than one billion years, compared to Earth's 4.6 billion year existence, Reach is remarkably geologically stable.[1] Reach is larger than Earth, having a diameter of 15,273 kilometers, compared to the 12,756 kilometers diameter of Earth.[2] Reach was originally inhospitable for human life, requiring some degree of terraformi