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'''Neutronium''' is a material that exists primarily in the cores of [[neutron star]]s. It is a lattice of neutrons (one of the three building blocks of matter at the atomic/nuclear level) that is generated when the tremendous pressure generated by a [[supernova]] (the explosion of a large [[star]]) acts on its core, causing all its electrons and protons to merge and form neutrons (this is the same as the process of beta decay, that generates beta radiation, only in reverse). These neutrons are very densely packed, and bind with each other using subatomic particles called gluons. This makes it the hardest possible substance in the universe. The spins of these neutrons add up to generate extremely powerful magnetic fields, which have been detected by astronomers. The high density of neutronium also generates a very strong gravitational field; at a mass of 3 times or more than our Sun, the gravity of a neutron star is so strong that it causes the neutronium core to collapse in on itself, forming a gravitational [[quantum singularity|singularity]] (colloquially known as a [[black hole]]). |
'''Neutronium''' is a material that exists primarily in the cores of [[neutron star]]s. It is a lattice of neutrons (one of the three building blocks of matter at the atomic/nuclear level) that is generated when the tremendous pressure generated by a [[supernova]] (the explosion of a large [[star]]) acts on its core, causing all its electrons and protons to merge and form neutrons (this is the same as the process of beta decay, that generates beta radiation, only in reverse). These neutrons are very densely packed, and bind with each other using subatomic particles called gluons. This makes it the hardest possible substance in the universe. The spins of these neutrons add up to generate extremely powerful magnetic fields, which have been detected by astronomers. The high density of neutronium also generates a very strong gravitational field; at a mass of 3 times or more than our Sun, the gravity of a neutron star is so strong that it causes the neutronium core to collapse in on itself, forming a gravitational [[quantum singularity|singularity]] (colloquially known as a [[black hole]]). |
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| − | In [[2366]], [[Doctor]] [[Paul |
+ | In [[2366]], [[Doctor]] [[Paul Stubbs]] wanted to study the decay of globules of neutronium expelled at relativistic speeds by a massive stellar explosion in a [[binary star system]] consisting of a [[neutron star]] and a [[red giant]] in the [[Kavis Alpha sector]]. ([[TNG]]: "[[Evolution (episode)|Evolution]]") |
Because neutronium is impervious to virtually all types of weapons fire, it is utilized by some species to construct practically indestructible structures. Some examples include: |
Because neutronium is impervious to virtually all types of weapons fire, it is utilized by some species to construct practically indestructible structures. Some examples include: |
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Revision as of 20:35, 11 October 2006
Neutronium is a material that exists primarily in the cores of neutron stars. It is a lattice of neutrons (one of the three building blocks of matter at the atomic/nuclear level) that is generated when the tremendous pressure generated by a supernova (the explosion of a large star) acts on its core, causing all its electrons and protons to merge and form neutrons (this is the same as the process of beta decay, that generates beta radiation, only in reverse). These neutrons are very densely packed, and bind with each other using subatomic particles called gluons. This makes it the hardest possible substance in the universe. The spins of these neutrons add up to generate extremely powerful magnetic fields, which have been detected by astronomers. The high density of neutronium also generates a very strong gravitational field; at a mass of 3 times or more than our Sun, the gravity of a neutron star is so strong that it causes the neutronium core to collapse in on itself, forming a gravitational singularity (colloquially known as a black hole).
In 2366, Doctor Paul Stubbs wanted to study the decay of globules of neutronium expelled at relativistic speeds by a massive stellar explosion in a binary star system consisting of a neutron star and a red giant in the Kavis Alpha sector. (TNG: "Evolution")
Because neutronium is impervious to virtually all types of weapons fire, it is utilized by some species to construct practically indestructible structures. Some examples include:
- The doomsday machine had a hull composed of pure neutronium. (TOS: "The Doomsday Machine")
- The Dyson sphere discovered in 2369 had a shell made from carbon-neutronium. (TNG: "Relics")
- The central structure of the Iconian ziggurat on Vandros IV, in which was located a functioning gateway, was constructed of neutronium (DS9: "To the Death")
- The main door to Dominion Headquarters on Cardassia Prime was made of neutronium. ("DS9: "What You Leave Behind")
- An asteroid utilized by the Vidiians. (VOY: "Phage")
- The hull of the Think Tank vessel from the Delta Quadrant was composed of a neutronium-based alloy. (VOY: "Think Tank")