Amaterasu is the second planet in the system, and orbits Epsilon Indi at an average distance of 145,456,323 km (about .96 au). It is about 10% smaller than Earth, with an equatorial diameter of 11,482 km. The planet is relatively poor in heavy metals, and has a density only 85% that of Earth. It's resultant gravitational field is 12% less than the terrestial.
Amaterasu orbits its Sun in a period of 348 terrestrial days. Its own rotational period is shorter than Earth's, and it turns on its axis once every 18.43 hours. It has a very shallow 6.2 degree inclination to the ecliptic.
Amaterasu has six moons, none larger than 400 km in diameter. As a consequence, there is no tidal pull on Amaterasu. Actually, evidence suggests that the six moons are the remnant of a single object which had an approximate diameter of 2000 km and a density approaching that of our Moon. This would have produced noticeable tides in an earlier epoch of Amaterasuan history.
Because of its slight inclination and rapid rotation, Amaterasu experiences little temperature variation over the course of a year. Temperatures do not vary much between the day and night sides of the planet, either, since its day is too short for extensive cooling or heating. In short, Amaterasu maintains a fairly constant tropical climate of about 70 degrees C. at its equator, which cools to subtropical in the upper latitudes but almost never drops below 50 degrees C. There is no polar ice cap or glaciation.
The topography of Amaterasu is relatively flat, with few mountain ranges or deep valleys. Because it is a very wet world, the landscape is dominated by shallow seas, swamps and rivers. The flora and fauna are abundant. While there are analogues of most types of terrestrial flora on Amaterasu (as well as some species unknown to us, such as the motile plants), fauna on Amaterasu are predominently invertebrate, piscine or insectoid. There are a few species of reptilian fauna, but creatures similar to mammals are entirely lacking. The dominant species on Amaterasu, the machi, are mantis-like insectoids.
Amaterasu was discovered by Japanese explorers in 2193. The Japanese and Russians have carried out most research on the planet, and the Japanese have led the way in developing commercial relations with the native inhabitants. Currently, the Japanese government holds the franchise for trade and tourism. Interested parties should direct inquiries to their consulate at Shin-Osaka on Amaterasu.
© 1997, Terrence Donnelly