ENCYCLOPEDIA GALACTICA Edition 428193 - Earth English Definition: 'Lokiod' Lokiod is a language English1 scientific classification representing Jovian planets2 which form and orbit less than two (2) stellar radi from the surface of the parent star. Rare, these exotic bodies are only known to orbit class 'F' to class 'G' main sequence stars.3 They are also characterized by an exposed liquid and liquid metallic hydrogen bulk and a strong planetary magnetic field. They are a special subcategory of Vulcan planets, bodies which orbit within sixty (60) stellar radi of their parent star.4 Lokoids are often confused with "Hot Jupiters" which are more commonly termed "Roasters".5 Roasters are documented to form in colder parts of a primordial stellar nebulae - beyond 4.5 AU6 from the centre in the case of class 'F' and class 'G' stars - and subsequently migrate inwards prior to the depletion of the stellar nebula or accretion disk. They become Vulcans after formation and are not known to survive closer than four (4) stellar radi from their parent star. Lokiods form within or near their permanent orbital path. They are a consequence of dense stellar nebulae which are, ironically, colder than normal. The hydrogen infall into the central proto-star becomes more turbulent and the cloud rotates faster.7 This gives rise to density waves around the proto-star, similar to a galaxy spiral, which trap some hydrogen from falling further in.8 If the density of hydrogen within these waves becomes great enough their own gravity will cause collapse into orbiting proto-Joves. Over time, the proto-Joves will collide and merge into fewer bodies of increasing mass. Most are recaptured by the proto-star or ejected by gravitational interaction with other proto-Joves. But eventually one body of at least four (4) Jovian masses can survive into the stellar era. Multiple lokiods around a mature star have never been observed. Such close proximity create short orbital and rotational periods. A lokiod's orbital period around a class 'G' star is less than six (6) hours. Lokiod rotation is always captured to its parent star forcing it to spin with the same short period.9 The rapid spin of the metallic hydrogen mass generates complex magnetic fields in excess of thirty-five (35) guass. Strong enough to deflect the intense stellar winds and storms which bombard the planet. The magnetic field mated with a lokiod's mass - and subsequent gravity - protects the bulk of the planet from erosion due to stellar winds. Though not sufficient to prevent the stripping of any initial upper atmosphere. Lokiods have an exposed liquid hydrogen surface with no atmosphere save for rarefied hydrogen plasma generated near the magnetic poles. Lokiods are only known to form around class 'F' through class 'G' main sequence stars. Class 'O' through class 'A' stars generate gravitational fields too intense for proto-Joves to form at close range even prior to stellar ignition. Class 'K' through class 'M' stars arise from stellar nebulae of insufficient mass to create the requisite density and turbulence during hydrogen infall. In both cases proto-giants have never been documented to form close to the parent star. The term 'lokiod' is derived from the name Loki who is the deity of fire in the mythology of Norse peoples.10 See references: 1Civilization Humanity: Linguistic Types 2Definition: 'Jovian Planet' 3Civilization Humanity: Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram 4Definition: 'Vulcan Planets' 5Definition: 'Hot Jupiter' 6Civilization Humanity: Scientific Standards 7Definitions: 'Proto-Star' and 'Proto-Jove' 8Definition: 'Density Wave' 9Definition: 'Captured Rotation' 10Civilization Humanity: Mythology and Religion