The Shape of the World – Astronomy on Chibara

 

The world is known as Chibara, and it’s the second in its solar system.  The order of planets from nearest to furthest from the sun is Asheru, Chibara, Shinara, Takeshu, Mitsukoku, and Reyi. 

 

Asheru is viewed as bright blue in the sky, and shows the largest, leading to speculation regarding its size. 

 

Chibara itself has one moon in its orbit, controller of the tides and seas.  It is a small planet covered mostly in water, and its land mass is grouped into two main continents.  The constellations visible from Chibara change with the seasons, but the patterns themselves have typically been described as forming the shapes of birds, giving rise to the zodiac followed by its people.  A round world is generally assumed, given the shape of the other celestial bodies.

 

 Shinara appears in the sky of Chibara as a brown or green mass, depending upon the season. 

 

Takeshu appears grey when visible, leading to its personification as the Grandfather of the Heavens.  Its silver colour has led many over the centuries to speculate about its possible composition of wealth, and the proverb, “He wouldn’t be happy with all the silver on Takeshu,” has come to describe a miser. 

 

Mitsukoku, the largest planet, appears very colourful with bands ranging from deep blue to bright red across its surface. 

 

Reyi, the last planet, is a brownish colour marked by hints of deep red, the source of the colour described in legend as the blood of departed warriors and heroes waiting until their deaths may be avenged.