Delphic Expanse
The Delphic Expanse was an area of space approximately 50 light years from Earth.
While its exact dimensions were unknown, Vulcan scientists estimated the Expanse to have been about 2,000 light years across in the 22nd century.
At that time, it was also surrounded by thermobaric clouds that made it difficult to enter and exit the region. It was generally avoided by Vulcan ships, due to the various spatial anomalies existing inside.
In some parts of the Expanse the known laws of physics did not seem to apply.
Noted Encounters
- In the 2130s, a Klingon ship emerged from the Expanse with its entire crew anatomically inverted, but still alive. After this incident, the Klingon High Council forbade all ships from entering the Expanse. However, a Klingon Captain, during his attempt to capture Captain Jonathan Archer, risked entering the Expanse to do so. His ship was destroyed just short of entering the Expanse.
- A Vulcan ship was pulled into the Expanse in late 2152, with all contact subsequently being lost. The crew of the next ship, sent to investigate its sister ship's disappearance, went mad and killed each other within two days of entering the Delphic Expanse.
- The Triannons, a species native to the area, called the Expanse the "Chosen Realm". They believed that it had been created by supreme beings they called the "Sphere Builders" or "Sphere Makers" as a paradise for their eventual return.
They thought the Makers were using the anomalies to reshape the Chosen Realm into a new form. Events would eventually show that the Triannons were essentially correct.
- In 2153, the Enterprise entered the Expanse in their search for the Xindi, who were believed responsible for an attack on Earth that killed seven million Humans.
The Delphic Expanse ceased to exist when the space within the region was restored to normal space in 2154. This was done after the Enterprise destroyed "Sphere 41," one of the principal spheres.
The destruction of this sphere caused a chain reaction, destroying the others and removing the source of the spatial anomalies that had plagued travelers within the Expanse.
