Close


Mars and outer planets trading post.

The Library of Alexandria.

Named after the Titan in Greek Mythology who was forced to hold up the heavens from the Earth, Atlas is the 2nd moon out from Saturn. Although named after a giant, Atlas is only 12 miles (20 kilometers) in diameter.
      Atlas, however, has been chosen as the site for the largest library in the Solar System, the Library of Alexandria. It is named after the Library of Alexandria that dates from the 3rd centry BC and was destroyed by a fire. It was the largest library of the ancient world and was replaced by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina that still stands today. The Library of Alexandria is a repository of knowledge and wisdom, an archive that houses the entire sphere of human knowledge.

Library at home.

      Most computers have a small library built into them and have since been named library computers. However, although library computers can hold huge amounts of data, their storage space does have limits. Also there is so much information that has been gathered, obtained, learnt or discovered in human history that a library computer cannot contain even a measurable fraction of what is avaliable.
      If someone finds their computer does not have the information they are after, the computer will search for the information on a nearby mainframe. There is usually a mainframe on the space station, space ship or city that they are in. Unless you are in the middle of open space far away from any space stations, moons, inhabited asteroids, planets and space ships, there should be a main frame to transmit the information if it contains it.

Last chance on Atlas.

      If you ever visit the Library of Alexandria you will see that even the largest mainframe will only be able to hold a tiny selection of the vast knowledge contained within Atlas' library. If your computer or the mainframe doesn't have the data you seek, then Atlas is the place to come.
      If you have provided enough search perameters your library computer will trasmit a request to Atlas and where ever you are in the Solar System, the reply should arrive within about 36 hours. If however you do not have enough information to provide a request then a trip to the Library of Alexandria itself is required.

Perseus encounters Atlas.

      Inside the Library of Alexandria is almost total silence. The odd whisper, the sound of processing computers of the occasional Z of someone who has a lot of information to find are the only sounds you will hear. The only light comes from just above where someone is searching, the glow of a computer screen or a bit of additional lighting for anyone spending a long time and not wishing to harm their eyes.
      The library is full of stacks of huge computer disks all sorted into order just like a library and with access panels where you can connect your computer in order to download the data.

It's all here.

      If the information you are searching for is avaliable, the Library of Alexandria will have it. It may just be a case of finding it. However all the information is very well cross referenced plus there are people happy to help you. So far no one has left unsatisfied.
      The information is also easy to browse through if you are not looking for anything specific and just want something interesting to read. If you pass through the Saturnian system and have some spare time, it is definitely worth a visit. Just beware, don't get too engrossed, you may find it hard to leave!

Return to Mars and outer planets trading post.

Go to top.