| Name | Alternate Universe Moon |
| Size | Significantly larger than Earth's moon |
| Type | Satellite, natural resource hub |
| Orbit | |
| Gravity | Strong, causing massive tidal & weather effects on Earth |
| Terrain | Rugged, metallic and rocky, rich in natural resources |
| Atmosphere | |
| Temperature | |
| Human presence | Growing, resource extraction & research facilities |
| Effects on Earth | Greater tidal and weather variations • Heightened tectonic activity • Environmental and societal challenges • Economic focus on resource extraction |
| Distance from Earth |
In this alternate timeline, the moon is a similar size to the one in our reality but orbits much closer to the Earth. The closest point in its orbit, known as the perigee, brings it to around 50,000 kilometers away from the Earth. This proximity results in a range of significant environmental and social impacts. The Alternate Moon is made of a dense metallic core and basaltic rock, making it an attractive target for resource extraction.
The gravitational pull of the Alternate Moon exerts a much stronger influence on the Earth's oceans than our moon does, leading to massive tidal effects and climate changes. During the moon's closest approach to the Earth, ocean levels can rise and fall by tens of meters, leading to widespread flooding and erosion across coastal areas. Weather patterns are also disrupted by the moon's influence, with hurricanes and storms becoming more frequent and intense as the moon passes near.
The Alternate Moon's close proximity has made it an easier target for human exploration and settlement. The first successful mission to the moon took place in the early 1600s, many centuries earlier than in our timeline. Astronauts discovered the vast metallic and mineral resources on the moon, prompting a wave of resource extraction and industrial activity. Large-scale colonization efforts soon followed, with lunar settlements established to support mining operations and scientific research facilities.
The Alternate Moon's abundance of metal and mineral resources have attracted significant investments from major mining companies. The extraction of metals, rare earth elements, and precious minerals from the moon has had a major impact on Earth's economy, with the material wealth generating vast income for corporations and governments. However, this resource extraction has also had significant environmental impacts on the moon, reshaping its surface and altering its geological structure.
The presence of the Alternate Moon has had profound impacts on Earth's social and cultural fabric. Religions and spiritual practices have been shaped by the moon's close proximity and its effects on the environment. The intense exposure to the moon has also given rise to moon worship and cults that revere the sphere's natural beauty and cosmic significance. Politically, the competition for resources on the Alternate Moon has driven tensions between nations and corporations, with conflicts arising over mining rights and territorial disputes.
Throughout history, the Alternate Moon has had dramatic consequences for the Earth's environment, society, and economy. As the moon continues to shape and shift life on Earth, its presence remains an essential and unpredictable force in our universe.
