HAL 9000 is an advanced artificial intelligence that becomes self-aware and poses a threat to the human crew of the Discovery One.

Terminus is the planet chosen by Hari Seldon to establish the Foundation, a group of scientists tasked with preserving human knowledge and culture during the fall of the Galactic Empire.

Michael Valentine Smith, also known as Valentine Michael Smith, is a Martian who is raised by humans and later returns to Mars to share his unique perspective and knowledge with his people.

Gethen is the planet where the inhabitants, known as the Gethenians, are ambisexual and experience periodic changes in their gender, known as kemmering.

Ares Vallis is the site of the first permanent human settlement on Mars in the (Mars Trilogy). It is located in a valley near the Martian equator.

The Ark is the name of the spaceship built to carry a small group of humans to a new home in space in (Seveneves). It is designed to be self-sustaining and capable of supporting a small population for generations.

The Trisolarans are an alien civilization that sends a message to Earth in (The Three-Body Problem). They are a technologically advanced race that faces a dire situation on their home planet.

Mark Watney is the astronaut who is stranded on Mars in (The Martian). He is a botanist and engineer who must use his skills and knowledge to survive and find a way to return to Earth.

The Wayfarer is the spaceship that travels the galaxy carrying a diverse crew of misfits in (The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet). It is a small, aging ship, but it is home to a group of characters who find friendship and adventure together.

The Inhibitors are an alien artifact discovered in the solar system in (Revelation Space). They are a powerful and mysterious technology that poses a threat to humanity and other intelligent life in the galaxy.

The Commonwealth is the interstellar civilization that dominates the galaxy in (The Commonwealth Saga). It is a vast and powerful civilization that has existed for thousands of years.

The Minds are the advanced artificial intelligence that oversee the Culture in (Culture) series. They are incredibly intelligent and powerful, and they play a vital role in maintaining the Culture's utopian society.

The Justice of Toren is the starship that is crewed by artificial intelligences known as ancillaries in (Ancillary Justice). It is a powerful and advanced vessel that plays a central role in the story.

The Fifth Season is the cataclysmic event that occurs every few centuries on the planet in (The Fifth Season). It is a time of great upheaval and destruction, and it forces the inhabitants of the planet to adapt and survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

Ball Lightning is the mysterious energy source that is discovered on Earth in (Ball Lightning). It is a powerful and volatile force that has the potential to revolutionize human technology, but it also poses a significant threat to humanity.