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.