Binah

Abstract

(Bin´•å) aka Keser 2

Binah is the second planet of the Keser system and is the nearly identical twin of Chesed the system’s third planet. It has sufficient mass to generate and retain an atmosphere, but no evidence of an atmosphere was found during the Mitzvah’s planetary survey. It is believed that Binah developed an atmosphere early in the formation of the Keser system, but lost it to the continuous onslaught of Keser’s solar wind and the periodic shock waves produced by Ain’s novae. The planetary survey indicated the presence of a metallic core in Binah. Its magnetic field is only slightly weaker than that of Earth. The survey found that if Binah had formed within Keser’s habitable zone it would have developed liquid water, and would have had all of the key ingredients for the development of carbon-based life forms.

Astronomical Characteristics

Located in Keser’s second orbital node; Binah revolves around Keser at a mean distance of c. 148 million km in a nearly circular orbit with a period of revolution of about 311 standard days.

Physical Characteristics

Binah is often referred to as the sister planet of Chesed, because it is only slightly smaller in both size and mass. Studies indicate that Binah rotates on its axis in a retrograde direction (opposite to the direction of revolution about Keser) with a period of about 155 standard days. This retro-rotation has Keser rising in the west and setting in the east. The differential between Binah’s rotational and revolutionary period make one Binahan day six months long. Despite this slow rotation there is little observed temperature difference between the lighted and unlighted sides of the planet. The surface of Binah is cratered and active. Microwave cartography performed by the Mitzvah indicates the existence of two long mountain ranges and continent-like features.

Satellite System

Binah has four natural satellites. The innermost of these, Ama, is about 9.6 km in diameter and orbits the planet with a period far less than Binah's period of rotation (8 hr 12 min), causing it to rise in the west and set in the east. The second moon from the surface of Binah is Aima with a diameter of 137 km. The third of Binah’s satellites is Khorsia which is also the largest with a diameter of 602 km. The outer satellite, Marah, is about 5.3 km in diameter.