Alden (also known as the Alden Colony) is a pioneering colonial settlement in proximity to F0V star HD 178934, approximately 320 light-years from the Sundom of Eris. Established in the late -100s CE, it represents one of Tallis' earliest ventures into managing habitation near high-luminosity stars. The colony is particularly noted for its expansive Solar Dust farms and unique twilight-zone settlement patterns.
Alden orbits HD 178934, an F0V main sequence star with a surface temperature of approximately 7,200 K. The planet maintains a complex orbital arrangement that results in a perpetual twilight zone where most human settlements are concentrated. The high stellar luminosity—approximately 4.8 times that of Eris—creates extreme temperature differentials between the day and night sides of the planet.
First discovered through astronomical observations in -1893 CE, Alden remained unreachable until the development of reliable hyperlight propulsion in the early -100s. Initial colonisation efforts, led by the Tallisite Expansion Initiative, focused on establishing sustainable habitation within the planet's twilight regions, where temperatures remained manageable for human settlement.
The colony achieved formal recognition in -42 CE, marking it as one of the earliest successful Tallisite colonies. Early settlers faced significant challenges adapting to the intense stellar radiation, leading to the development of specialised architectural and agricultural techniques that would later influence colonial designs throughout the World Unity.
Alden's most distinctive feature is its extensive network of Solar Dust farms, which harness the abundant radiation from HD 178934. These facilities utilise microscopic photovoltaic particles suspended in the upper atmosphere to capture and convert solar energy. The Alden Colonial Government maintains control over approximately 78% of these installations, with the remainder operated by private enterprises.
The colony's power generation capabilities exceed local demand by a factor of twelve, enabling significant exports of Solar Dust to Tallis and other World Unity settlements, as well as the Theotech Corporate Sovereignty. This surplus has established Alden as a crucial power supplier within the region and contributed substantially to its economic stability.