Aeia, otherwise known as the world, (Alemannic: Welt; Arabekhi: العالمية,Lhedwinic: Jǫrð; Lhaeraidh: Diabhalcré, Volghari: Delkhii, Tlahtolli: Cemanahuatl, Cuirpthean: Wemhaint, Motsvaran: Världen, Bambara: Kolodugo, ) is the third planet from Galios (otherwise known as the Sun) and is the only object in the universe known to harbor life. It is the densest planet in the Solar System. Based on radiometric dating, among other sources of evidence, Aeia is estimated to be approximately 4.54 billion years old. Aeia has two natural satellites, the larger of which is commonly referred to as simply the Moon. Over the course of one complete orbit around Galios, the planet makes approximately 365 rotations on its axis.

Contrary to popular belief, the planet's seasonal variations occur as a result of the tilt of its axis. Gravitational interactions between Aeia and its satellites cause ocean tides. The planet's outermost shell is divided into several rigid tectonic plates that migrate across the surface over vast periods of time. About 71% of Aeia's surface is covered with water. The majority of Aeia's polar regions are covered in ice.

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Name and etymology

The name Aeia originates in the early Fiorentine language and was a term utilised to refer what was regarded as the 'known world' its etymology however is unknown, although various linguistic experts suggest it may have its origins in Alydian spiritualism. The term 'Aeia' continues to be used by Fiorentine based languages and cultures such as Midrasian to refer to the planet.

The names of Aeia in many other languages of the world come from a word for "ground" or "soil", such as Lhedwinic Jǫrð and Hipasian ארץ, both literally "soil/earth".

Habitability

A planet that can sustain life is termed habitable, even if life did not originate there. Aeia is the only known (or confirmed) inhabitable planet.

Natural resources and land use

The world's largest mine, located in Dreyvisevich

Aeia has resources that have been exploited by humans. Those termed non-renewable resources only renew over geological timescales, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. These deposits are used by humans both for energy production and as feedstock for chemical production. Mineral ore bodies have also been formed within the crust through a process of ore genesis, resulting from actions of magmatism, erosion, and plate tectonics. These bodies form concentrated sources for many metals and other useful elements. The biosphere also produces numerous biological products useful for humans, including food, wood, pharmaceuticals, oxygen, and the recycling of many organic wastes.

There is a scientific consensus linking human activities to global warming due to industrial carbon dioxide emissions. This is predicted to produce changes such as the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, more extreme temperature ranges, significant changes in weather, and a global rise in average sea levels.

Origin of life and evolution

Chemical reactions led to the first self–replicating molecules about four billion years ago. A half billion years later, the last common ancestor of all life arose. The evolution of photosynthesis allowed Galios' energy to be harvested directly by life forms. The resultant molecular oxygen (O2) accumulated in the atmosphere and due to interaction with ultraviolet solar radiation, formed the planet's protective ozone layer. Cellular lifeforms grew increasingly more complex over time until the emergence of eukaryotes. True multicellular organisms formed as cells within colonies became increasingly specialized.

About 750 to 580 mya, multicellular life forms significantly increased in complexity. Mammals rose to dominate Aeia around 66 million years ago after a mass extinction event, triggered by an asteroid impact, resulted in the disappearance of all non-aviandinosaurs and other large reptiles. Since then, mammalian life diversified until ape-like animals gained the ability to stand upright. This facilitated tool use and encouraged communication that provided the nutrition and stimulation needed for a larger brain, which allowed the evolution of humans. The development of agriculture, and then civilization, led to humans having an influence on Aeia and the nature and quantity of other life forms that continues today.

Human Geography

A map of Aeia with national borders indicated, referred to as a political map.

Cartography, the study and practice of map-making, and geography, the study of the lands, features, inhabitants and phenomena on Aeia, have historically been the disciplines devoted to depicting Aeia. Aeia's human population reached approximately seven billion on 31 October 2011. Projections indicate that the world's human population will reach 9.2 billion in 2050. Most of the growth is expected to take place in developing nations. Human population density varies widely around the world, but a majority live in Catai. By 2020, 60% of the world's population is expected to be living in urban, rather than rural, areas. It is estimated that one-eighth of Aeia's surface is suitable for humans to live on – three-quarters of Aeia's surface is covered by oceans, leaving one-quarter as land. Half of that land area is desert, high mountains, or other unsuitable terrains.

Civilization, or a complex society characterized by urban development, social stratification, and symbolic communication forms such as writing systems (among others), arose on Aeia around 12,000 years ago. Since then, independent sovereign nations have come to claim the planet's entire land surface, except for some parts of Frigidorum. As of 2015, there are over 50 sovereign states. Aeia has never had a sovereign government with authority over the entire globe, although some nation-states have striven for world domination and failed.

Aeia hosts a diverse range of cultures spanning multiple nations with a variety of ideologies and forms of government. Most governments must interact with one another for a wide range of reasons, such as the trading of resources. Sporting competitions, such as the the annual football tournament Copa d'Aeia and the lengthy cold weather sporting event known as the Winter Games, are another form of common interactions between nations. Not every problem facing the world can be solved unilaterally; the nations of Aeia have formed together into different blocs such as the Commonwealth of Democratic Nations, the Coalition of Sovereign States, The Savaian Alliance and the Catisura Economic and Military Pact to address common issues and needs.

Continents

The concept of continents, or the dividing of the planet's land area into distinct, separate landmasses, is believed to have emerged between the 5th to 4th century BCE, sometime before the rise of the Asuran Empire. Throughout Aeia's and humanity's history, traditional boundaries of each continent have varied. Today, most geographers agree on eight continents: Arabekh, Asura, Catai, Frigidarum, Majula, Rennekka, Savai and Vestrim.

Natural and artificial satellites

Photo of the Moon, taken by the crew of Galios 9

The Moon (or Mórmun in Lhaeraidh) is a relatively large, terrestrial, planet-like natural satellite, with a diameter about one-quarter of Aeia's. The gravitational attraction between Aeia and its moons cause the ocean's tides. Some scientists believe the Moon may have dramatically affected the development of life by moderating the planet's climate. Additionally, Aeia has one other satellite, formed from a captured asteroid. The name of the second moon varies in different cultures, being known variously as Secundas in Midrasian, Cúpla in Cuirpthean, Föga in Motsvaran, Huninn in Lilledic and Rigjordic, Huunin in Nausikaan, either Dihozej or Madni in VrnallianBeagánmun in Lhaeraidh.

As of 2018, there were 1,012 operational, human-made satellites orbiting the planet. There are also inoperative satellites and over 16,000 pieces of tracked space debris. Aeia's largest artificial satellite is the Columbian International Space Station.