In general, the universe in which Alver takes place is much like ours. Since before history was recorded people gazed at the stars, recorded their motions, and assigned them meanings.
Minra, the object at the center of the galaxy, visible at night
Galaxies and the Universe
Due to the unavoidable prescence of Salver in sky, interest in the heavens was always high on Alver. Space and astronomy technology and science on Alver advanced at a faster pace than on our Earth. By 1700, astronomers had access to powerful telescopes and had determined that some distant nebulae were actually "island universes" - other galaxies. Further study led to the conclusion that the Solar System is inside a small but very very old galaxy, with a gigantic central "star" or object (Minra) that is projecting immense jets of matter outwards.
Cosmic objects
Due to the prescence of bright Salver in the night sky, deep sky observation is best done on the side of Alver facing away from Salver. With Salver in the sky, most stars are drowned out and invisible.
- Minra - the subject of countless legends and lore, Minra is the brightest "star" visible at night, almost as bright as Salver in the sky. It has been known about and pondered since prehistory; but even today, it is not known exactly what Minra is, except that it is at the center of the local galaxy and it is extremely powerful. Jets of material appear to emanate from Minra, and the evolution of the shapes in these jets used to be used for divination. The brightness of Minra makes it hard to observe anything else near the center of the galaxy.
- The Crab's Claw - a very dim red star, notable for occasionally brightening and then darkening again over a period of weeks.
- The Sea Eye - a peculiar ring shaped "star", now known to be a galaxy. It appears as an eye in the sky when seen through a telescope.
- Corbel's Beacon - a mysterious source of powerful repeating radio signals, with no visible visual component. Originally spotted by technicians while calibrating an Interplanety Wireless, who picked up strong radio signals from a point outside Salver.
- Epicaradae - A bright star, used for navigation in the southern hemisphere.
- Qoria - A bizarre green star. No theory yet explains the strange spectral lines or colour of the star. Legends link it to sickness and ill omens.
- Sheldon 41 - A star discovered recently during a survey of the sky from Salver which later vanished.
- Sheldon 43 - A nova that appeared near Sheldon 41 during the above survey and has remained since.