Sun

The Sun is a magical object located in the sky over Árdan. It is not a traditional star, but a magical entity which appears to have a mind of its own. It is the main source of energy for life in the world, and has been an object of veneration in many cultures and religions. Around the Sun orbit two moons: Ezad and Laksha.

Origins

According to the Consensus, the Sun was created when the angel Shúl flew into the sky to illuminate the world.

Characteristics

Activity

The Sun's energy output is irregular, which causes fluctuations in worldwide temperatures, leading to seasons. During summer, the Sun's heat is at its greatest and the Moons' orbital speed is much slower, making days and nights longer, averaging at around 24 hours but going as high as 30 hours during the summer solstice. During the winter, the Sun powers down and temperatures drop, meanwhile the Moons orbit much faster, making days around 18 hours, with the winter solstice lasting around 12 hours. Autumn and spring are the transitional periods between summer and winter, when the Sun is changing from one equilibrium temperature to the next. Seasons on Árdan have no fixed length, and summers and winters last several years on average. Autumns and springs may last from only a few weeks to several months.

Every 360 days, the Sun undergoes a period of increased solar activity lasting several days. This is known as the Solar Flares, and their high regularity has led to them being used to mark the new year in most calendar systems. The Solar Flares mark a peak in the Sun's magical energy, causing aurorae to be visible around the world. During this time, the moon Ezad glows a bright yellow, which is referred to as the Golden Moon.