Space Storms

Space storms are a natural phenomena that disrupt space travel. The first recorded storm in modern history occurred in 2342 CE, when Space Storm Alyssia (designated as such by the Galactic Community) affected approximately half the hyperlane-connected systems in the galaxy. The storm lasted for six years, until 2348 CE, when it dissipated. During the storm's occurance, sensor systems across the galaxy were massively impacted, with the storm blocking any scans from neighbouring systems, and even disrupting intra-system scans. Energy shields were also heavily impacted. Due to interference created by the storm, all energy shields and deflectors became non-operational while within the affected systems, as their particle fields failed to materialise. In addition, sublight travel speed was significantly reduced - approximately by half - in affected systems, due to interference in ship engines and disrupted sensors making navigation more difficult.

Based on readings taken during Space Storm Alyssia, research concluded that the storm was caused by significant disruptions to subspace due to intense hyperlane travel. According to archaeological records and those supplied by the Curator Order, space storms begin to appear once faster-than-light travel reaches a critical mass in the galaxy, and intensify over time. based on Curator research, they are directly or indirectly responsible for dozens of galactic cycles becoming extinct. Another theory supported by a minority of subspace scientists is that the storms, over time, can cause the breakdown of hyperlanes over the course of thousands of years. This would naturally cause any spacefaring empire reliant on colonies to collapse, and gives the potential for the hyperlanes to reform once FTL travel has ceased or been limited. This theory is not widely supported by the galactic scientific community, but has been gaining traction in recent years.

Type

Natural