Canon Facts  Backstage Info  Speculation

Precise details of the trilithium weapon are uncertain, but members of the Enterprise-D crew were able to scan a torpedo at close range. Subsequently the ship was able to record detailed sensor information when the Amagosa system was destroyed by Doctor Soran. Those records indicate that the torpedo initially causes a massive flare-up in the stars output. This initial burn lasts for some seven seconds, and consumes approximately 23% of the mass of the star - sufficient to significantly alter the gravitational forces in the region. As a secondary effect the detonation releases some 4.2 x 10⁴⁶ Joules, producing a shock wave more than powerful enough to destroy everything in the solar system.

Immediately subsequent to the primary energy release, a quantum implosion occurs within the star. This causes a very rapid breakdown in all remaining fusion processes; starved of the thermal pressure that normally holds a star inflated, the remnants of the Amagosa star collapsed under their own weight into a black dwarf.

Doctor Soran attempted to launch a further weapon at the Veridian sun, but was prevented in doing so by two Starfleet officers. This weapon was destroyed together with all of its supporting facilities when it exploded on launching.

The Federation has classified its information concerning trilithium weapons and outlawed any attempt at production, in line with the laws against the production and use of weapons of mass destruction. However, it is likely that detailed research is proceeding and it is conceivable that Starfleet will eventually be allowed to add trilithium weapons to its fleet should the Dominion war require it.