Sanghelios

Sanghelios is the homeworld of the Sangheili race. Sanghelios is the fourth planet in a Triple Star System of stars Urs, Fied and Joori. The planet has two Moons called Qikost and Suban. Many Forerunner artifacts and structures exist on the planet, which are the topic of worship, as well as the cause of historical wars between the Sangheili and the San 'Shyuum before the formation of the Covenant.

Background
Sanghelios has a gravity of 1.375 G's, and an average surface temperature of -5C to 56C (23F to 132.8F). Sanghelios is inhabited by approximately 8.132 billion Sangheili. The Bestiarum indicates that Sanghelios is similar to Earth in shape and proportion, though the land masses are more scattered in relation to bodies of water. It's atmosphere consists of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen but also has a reddish hue to it, perhaps indicating large amounts of iron or new rock being made by the core.

The planet is of course home to a huge number of civilian Sangheili numbering over eight billion, as well as a large defense force. Sanghelios was possibly the area of large conflict between Separatist and Loyalist forces. At the end of Halo 3, Thel 'Vadam, Rtas 'Vadum, and the crew of the carrier ship Shadow of Intent depart from earth, for Sanghelios to check if it is safe. The Arbiter assures Rtas 'Vadum that they have made it safe.

It is possible that the Sangheili population centers on the planet are all city-states, as the State of Vadam is seen in The Cole Protocol.

Locations

 * Yermo
 * State of Vadam
 * Vadam Keep
 * Vadam Harbor
 * Kolaar Mountain
 * Iruiru

Given that Sangheili are named after the region they are from, which is in turn named after its founder, there are a number of possible states, currently totaling thirty:

Notable Residents

 * Thel 'Vadam
 * Usze ‘Taham
 * Toha ‘Sumai
 * Rtas 'Vadum
 * N'tho 'Sraom
 * Ripa 'Moramee
 * Sesa 'Refumee
 * Most of the Sangheili species

Etymology
The name "Sanghelios" comes from the Latin sanguis and the Greek helios meaning "Blood-Sun". It is implied that this may refer to the "blood" of the warrior Elites that live there, or simply the planet's Reddish color.

Trivia

 * In the Doctor Who episode Planet of the Dead, the planet they are teleported to is called San Helios, which is also part of a triple star system.