WhenTheGunsFallSilent/AstrographicalAtlas
Structure of the Galaxy
This map displays the directions used when talking about objects relative to each other in space. It also displays the Quadrent system[1]. This system is used by the KTO, which was adopted by the Federation in 2312.
Quadrents
Original definition in 2258
- α - This quadrant is defined as "below the line from the galactic center to the pulsar T3029C8 and left of the line from the galactic center through the Guardian of Forever.". This means that Earth, Fereginar and Betazed are considered Alpha Quadrant planets. Majority of the Federation lies in this region or just on the other side in the Beta Quadrant.
- β - This quadrant is defined as "right of the line from the galactic center through the Guardian of Forever and below the line from the galactic center to NGC 91019.". The Klingon Empire and Romulan Star Empire lay in this region, and are the most prominent Beta Quadrant powers.
- γ - This quadrant is defined as "above the line from the galactic center to the pulsar T3029C8 and left of the line from the galactic center through the Maze of Eternity."[2]. Largely completely unexplored or surveyed except by deep-space long-range warp probes. Unknown territory.
- δ - This quadrant is defined as "right of the line from the galactic center through the Maze of Eternity and above the line from the galactic center to NGC 91019." Largely completely unexplored or surveyed except by deep-space long-range warp probes. Unknown territory.
Added in 2273
As a result of several missions by the USS Enterprise, under Captain Kirk, Starfleet Science successfully argued that the halo region, or the deep bulge, should have their own names. Technically, each could be expressed by extremely high z values in other quadrents, but it became easier to consider them separate regions of space entirely.[3]
- ε - The Epsilion quadrant is the halo region below the galaxy. Most known for the now named Epsilion subspace broadcasts recieved by Federation outposts in 2281. Decoding completed in 2320, and the broadcasts were promptly classified. Some exploration of the globular clusters by experimental warp probes was done, but every probe was destroyed at approximately 8.5 kly from the galactic plane.
- ζ - The Zeta quadrant is the halo region above the galaxy.
Added in 2314
Added at the request of Starfleet Intelligence, and after the Promethean Lighthouse Incident, this region is completely offlimits to Federation starships without the express permission of the CinC of Starfleet.
- η - Eta region - Defined as extragalactic space. The only non classified experience in it was the USS Enterprise's hijacking by the Kelvan Empire in 2268. A major barrier to exploration was the negative energy galactic barrier surrounding the galaxy.[4]
References
- ↑ So called, even when additional ones were added in 2273 and 2314.
- ↑ This was a Klingon name for it - a mythical maze that Kahless once climbed out of Gre'thor from after killing Malor.
- ↑ It should be noted that the extreme edge of rimward regions sometimes dip into these quadrants, although almost there's nothing worth charting in those regions.
- ↑ While plans to explore it were being started, the Promethean Lighthouse Incident stopped them entirely, and as of 2353, plans to explore the extragalatic space are still on hold.