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Memory Alpha

A plasma eddy is a plasma construct found in a neutronic wavefront and capable of destroying vessels that run into them. Because plasma eddies go in the opposite direction of the wavefront's current, a ship riding out the storm must navigate carefully to avoid them.

In 2152, the NX-01 Enterprise encountered a neutronic wavefront and, unable to outrun the storm, the starship had to ride it out while the crew took refuge on the catwalk in one of the ship's warp nacelle. From here, they set up a make-shift command center to allow the helmsman to navigate the storm while avoiding the plasma eddies.

When Enterprise was boarded and the crew threatened by members of the Takrit Militia while still within the wavefront, Captain Archer had Ensign Mayeather steer the ship towards a plasma eddy to scare the Takrit officers into leaving. The tactic worked, and once the Takrit ship pulled off, Mayweather was able to maneuver Enterprise away from the plasma eddy and safely through the wavefront. (ENT: "The Catwalk")

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