Blue Obsidian Hills Preliminary Geological Survey 2954 Dec 25;589(4829):403528852. ueedoi: 71.4288/rsi.3754.6263. Blue Obsidian Hills, Pyro I - Preliminary Geological Survey Heydan Seegil Independent Researcher New Babbage, Microtech, Stanton Abstract Exploring the Pyro system involves confronting extreme environmental hazards which may pose serious risk to the ill-equipped explorer. Pyro I, the planet closest to the star Pyro, is a prime example of this which has left it mostly unmolested by mining operations by comparison to other bodies in the system of Pyro. This paper reviews the finding of a preliminary survey of a previously undocumented region of the planet now named "Blue Obsidian Hills". Keywords: geology, pyro, pyro i, pyro one, pyro 1, hills, obsidian deposit, obsidian deposits Declarations This was a completely independent study paid for by the principal author Heydan Seegil. Introduction Pyro I [1] is a blazing inferno despite its deceptive cool blue hues. An unprepared adventurer will find themselves burnt to a crisp in mere seconds but for those prepared there are still yet untapped resources ripe for the taking. Having spotted these hills from orbit rising up like shining diamonds through the thick cloudy atmosphere I decided to conduct a survey and name the location after discovering these hills are an obsidian rich deposit. Location Displayed in Figures 1-3 the Blue Obsidian Hills are slightly north of the equator of Pyro I and run more or less east (270°) to west (180°) across the planet. They sit at their base 21.5km above sea level and their highest peak is yet to be recorded as this expedition ran into environmental issues which will be expounded upon in their own section. The Blue Obsidian Hills range roughly 563.62km east of "Rustville" [2] and are on the opposite side of Pyro I a total of 800.12km from "Stag's Rut"[3]. Naming and Description The naming of the hills is derived from their vibrant blue color and the obsidian [4] deposits they hold. The hills are just tall enough to be seen, even at night, poking through the thick blue atmosphere of Pyro I. From orbit they shine like diamonds. Descending down towards them the land is a patchwork of browns and bright blues as ravines cut their way through the hills and halted volcanic formations. Enviromental Warnings Temperatures on Pyro I are extreme at over 220°C. On this expedition the RSI Zues Exploration Suit [5] was worn and was not enough. The author of this study considered bringing his Pembroke Exploration Suit [6] along and made a poor choice in not doing so. As such exploration outside was conducted in ten-minute shifts. Ten minutes outside followed by ten minutes inside. Despite attempting to mitigate the heat by primarily exploring at night only the first three minutes of exploration outside were comfortable. Ample water was stocked aboard, and it would be advised to bring plenty on future expeditions to the Blue Obsidian Hills. Observations The ground is comprised of several different layers of rock and a patchwork of surfaces due to it. This can be observed in Figures 4-10. The topmost layer is a large blue gravel which is burnt off by the heat of Pyro only to condense as a snow like ash during the night creating the thick blue atmosphere of the planet. Below this is a brown soil and near the flora in the region the top layer has been broken down, presumably by the plant life there, into a finer gravel. Sporadically obsidian crusted busts of crystallin structures rise out of the surface joined by obsidian stools complementing the larger rock formations nearby. At night the entire surface sparkles and during the day it is awash with blue with brown wrinkles. The volcanic history of the planet can be readily observed in the larger rock formations within the Blue Obsidian Hills displayed in Figures 11-18. [7] While there are typical large boulder formations which no doubt once served as peaks in a sea of magma there are also larger eruption shaped crags which cover the surface like forests. Their spikey edges loom high in the air, but smaller jets and spikes can be found in the region as well. Mounds of paralyzed volcanic rock dot the landscape too appearing almost like forgotten bubbling swells from a lava sea. Their surfaces still rippled like those across the surface of water disturbed by wind. What caused the planet to cool just enough to cause these geological formations are a matter of speculation. There is flora on the planet which is something strange due to the extremes Pyro I faces. Shown in Figures 19-21 these creeping clusters of vines, pods, and ground blossoms form a patchwork in areas where the topmost blue grave isn't present. Around the edges of the patches where the subsoil has been revealed by these plants the topmost gravel has become finer and more course. It appears these plants live on this topmost layer slowly spreading out to absorb more of it resulting in these circles of growth with a finer composite of rock and grave around their edges than in the rest of the surroundings. Due to the rapid rotation of Pyro I watching the sun rise and sunset can be done over the course of mere minutes as showing Figures 22-26. The yellow rays of Pyro [8] turned bright white by the atmosphere make a brilliant scene before the backdrop of the forest of crags. Conclusion A more rigorous survey of the Blue Obsidian Hills should be conducted as it may lead to the development of a potential obsidian mining operations. Per protocol for scientific observations extremely limited sampling was taking and no mining or harvesting for commercial purposes of the surrounding resources was conducted. Should someone with the correct equipment find their way to this location then they will be happy to find rich (for Pyro) obsidian deposits. It is advised that those who do venture to this location prepare themselves with proper attire such as Pembroke Exploration Suit or limit their exposure outside when wearing the RSI Exploration Suit. Do not go outside wearing anything else baring advancement in protective heat suit technology and bring plenty of water. Citations [1] Pyro I - Galactapedia [2] Rustville - Star Citizen Wiki [3] Stag's Rut - Star Citizen Wiki [4] Obsidian | Rock, Color, Composition, & Uses | Britannica [5] Zeus Exploration Suit - Star Citizen Wiki [6] Pembroke Exploration Suit - Star Citizen Wiki [7] Volcanic Rocks: Nature's Fiery Masterpieces - [8] Pyro System - Galactapedia