Okay, you guys will probably think I'm nuts...and that's okay. LOL. I've thoroughly explored the New York system and the Colorado system. Each time, I find some strange satisfaction in flying somewhat close to the sun so that I get the sparks off my hull, etc. Well...now I'm exploring the California system. The sun is brighter, but a medium white just like in New York. HOWEVER, I CANNOT get close to the thing without blowing up. The threshold is like night and day. Basically, you can be just fine, and just under 10 K away from it you immediately blow up upon hearing the Warning (as in even going 1 M/S). Is there a reason for this?

Another thing I noticed. There appears to be a strange halo effect around this sun. It looks almost like a planet only it's not there - I thought of this because I heard the mention of a shadow planet somewhere and was wondering if this is somehow it.

Anyways, if it's part of the SP plot (just getting to Mission 3), please don't give me the details, but I was wondering if there's any reason for this or if it's just something random I noticed. LOL. Thanks.