So I was searching for more information on habitable zones around stars. Heres a link to
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumstellar_habitable_zone#Extrasolar_extrapolation Extrasolar extrapolation of the habitable zone theory. Its a shortcut to the maths part.
A short version is that
the term 'habitable zone' was first defined as the area around a star where liquid water could exist on a sufficiently large body (from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumstellar_habitable_zone)
Since then they changed it to where life is most likely to emerge in a galaxy, then they argued more about what life needs. (paraphrased)
Meta-alloys have a complex lattice structure with large internal voids. They are cellular in nature, and formed organically. They are incredibly strong - much stronger than foamed aluminium for example. Many elements form the structure so technically they are alloys, but the composition is different in different parts of the cell walls for strength. They are good thermal insulators, and have a high melting point, but if they are melted they lose all their special properties and become a conventional alloy. They are easily machined, but as yet cannot be manufactured, only found in space. They are associated with recently discovered alien entities nicknamed 'Large Barnacles' by interstellar explorers. These appear to be common in certain parts of space, although no-one is certain why. This material has been heralded as the next step in materials technology. It is ultra-light and stronger and more versatile than most commercially available alloys. (from
http://elite-dangerous.wikia.com/wiki/Meta-alloys)
I think this is a direct quote from the game description but I'm not somewhere I can check the actual one.
Theres a few things I'm taking from this.
Formed organically - so I am looking for life. I just dont know what kind of life.
Many elements form the structure - I think this was our nebula hint. Stellar nursery gasses.. om nom nom nom
They are good thermal insulators, and have a high melting point, but if they are melted they lose all their special properties - Upper limit to viable temperature.
They are associated with recently discovered alien entities nicknamed 'Large Barnacles' by interstellar explorers. - Find one, find the other.
I had thought that by being inside the nebula and being on a planet with no atmosphere would be enough. I'm now starting to wonder if the mists that form on certain planets has a purpose for these barnacles. A source of nutrients.
As far limiting the search I don't think a great deal can be done. We know nothing about the life processes of the barnacles. Something they are associated with has an upper temperature limit but thats not telling us anything about them. Man as an organism can survive much harsher extremes than say our blood can. How much more can we thoerise about their life processes? I'd say set min temp at 0C. I'm sure plenty would argue that theres no evidence to say they are using water as an exchange mechanism. In response I'd say what else is there ingame? I've seen rock, metal and ice in terms of the makeup of a body and that it.
So, and this is pure conjecture right now. I think we need a warm rocky, icy body except I don't think they exist, I think they are worlds and tend to have atmospheres so we cant land.
After all that I tied myself in a circle. I'm off to Merope. Cant think of a reason not to.. I've covered a lot of ground trying to rule out other stuff and in the end I'm resigned to 'cos the UA point there' as my only good clue.
Maybe its barnacle sperm.. maybe its how they reproduce across nebulae
