Phaedra was a class M planet, the fourth planet of the Xerxes Gamma system, located in the galaxy's Alpha Quadrant. It was the homeworld of an unusual silicon-based clay lifeform.
Specifics[]
Phaedra experienced fierce electromagnetism which reversed its magnetic poles erratically at up to 72.3 year intervals, affecting surface geology and magnetic convection in the planet's dense metallic liquid core. As a result, while enduring electrical storms and earthquakes, it rotated once every 10 hours. Its magnetic field varied from 5.2 to 301.2 gauss, limiting transporter use, tricorder scans, and creating orbital challenges for visiting starships. Its atmosphere, notable for a majestic-looking aurora borealis, was breathable but dusty, at 15 PSI on the surface. Terrain included mountains and volcanoes. Vegetation grew only along its one sea.
History[]
In the 24th century, the Federation established Science Station Beta Epsilon on Phaedra to study the planet's unique geology and magnetism.
In 2368, William T. Riker, Beverly Crusher, Worf, and Lars Fredricks from the USS Enterprise-D visited in response to a distress call from the outpost. The facility had been contaminated and wrecked by an unusual silicon-based clay lifeform that killed most of the staff.
After departing the planet, remnants of the clay brought back aboard the rescue shuttle soon subsumed portions of the Enterprise, and Admiral Davies at Starbase 210 declared the starship a total loss before a method was developed to revert the clay to an inert form. (TNG novel: Grounded)
Points of interest[]
Notable residents[]
- Springton
- Adrienne Tillstrom
- Mikal Tillstrom