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Peegue's Puzzle Page Traveling the outer reaches of space is not without its dangers. To help prepare you for the challenges ahead, Peegue has concocted this little puzzle. Shown here is a map of the twenty known planets in the Orter System. Travel between planets is only possible via the Starways, shown as dotted white lines. Travel from one planet to the next always takes exactly one Starday, regardless of distance.  One morning, Zendocon, a sentient crystal being from the planet Zool, sets out from its homeworld to visit each of the planets in the Orter system once - and only once! - before returning to Zool. At the same time, A2600, a friendly Robot from the planet Irata, sets out to do a similar tour of the Orter system, also returning home after having visited each planet exactly once. Zendocon and A2600 meet up at the planet Qix on the evening of the fifth Starday. Puzzle #1 (Easy): Zendocon and A2600 also spend the evening of the sixth Starday on the same planet. Which planet must it be? Puzzle #2 (Harder): If Zendocon and A2600 continue their journey after the sixth Starday, on what planet, if any, will they meet again? Puzzle #3 (Hard): If two different planets are chosen at random, what is the probability that they are within three Stardays of each other? Obscure Trivia Challenge: A twenty-first planet is discovered and needs to be named. Which of the following five names is most likely? (a) Gryx ... (b) Qb ... (c) 123PP ... (d) Murk ... (e) Zzzx
These puzzle might take some time to work out, so don't give up too easily. Make time on a Sunday morning, grab a cup of tea or coffee, put your thinking cap on, and let the map percolate in your mind. If you think you are completely stuck, check this space after December 20th for a link to the solutions. Or visit the Wonderland Discussion Board to discuss possible answers with fellow Wonderlanders. Peegue is also always interested in hearing about new puzzles from all around the world. If you've come across an interesting puzzle that you think Peegue would like to know about, just e-mail us. Have a safe and happy holiday, and a wonderful 2011!
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