Risa is an M-class planet located about 90 light years from Earth. Risa is the homeworld of the Risians (also called "Risans"), and is a member of the United Federation of Planets. Risa is in the same sector as Starbase 12.
Climate and Culture
At one time, Risa had a rain-soaked, earthquake-stricken climate, but the Risans transformed their planet using a sophisticated weather control network and seismic regulators. After the transformation, Risa became known for its beautiful climate and resorts. (TNG: "The Mind's Eye"; DS9: "Let He Who Is Without Sin...")
Risa is a very popular tourist destination, receiving millions of guests per year. Some of the most popular attractions include Galartha - a cliff face that changes while being climbed - and a small boat that sails into bay every evening to serve as a seafood restaurant. (ENT: "Two Days and Two Nights")
Risa is also noted for the open sexuality of the native Risians, who initiate and respond to desire for sexual relations through a statue called a horga'hn. Displaying the horga'hn indicates the wish to participate in the Risan sexual rite jamaharon. (TNG: "Captain's Holiday")
History
In 2152, the crew of the Enterprise visited Risa during a two-day shore leave. Since then, Risa has been a popular vacation spot for Starfleet crews. (ENT: "Two Days and Two Nights")
Captain Timothy Sinclair was not a fan of the resort planet. In 2379, Sinclair remarked that he would "rather spend two weeks in a Cardassian prison than vacation on Risa." However, he also stated that either would be preferable to visiting his family on Betazed. (Star Trek: Pendragon: "Heritage")
Alternate continuities
Star Trek: Destiny timeline
During the Borg Invasion of 2381, Risa was destroyed. There was enough advance warning that many of the Risans and their guests managed to escape in time. (Star Trek: Destiny novel: Lost Souls, TNG novel: Losing the Peace)
Star Trek: Hidden Frontier timeline
In 2384, a ship impersonating the fugitive USS Helena detonated an Omega molecule near Risa. The resulting subspace damage makes warp-speed travel impossible in a large volume of space that includes Risa. As a result, travel to of from the system now takes many years. A large conference was in session at the time, so dignitaries from many civilizations were now trapped there. (HC: "Red Sky at Morn")
Background
- "Risa" is the Spanish word for "laughter."
External links
- Risa article at Memory Alpha, the canon Star Trek wiki.
- Risa article at Memory Beta, the non-canon Star Trek wiki.