Gamma Doradus III
| Gamma Doradus III | |
|---|---|
| Class: | M |
| Type: | Planet |
| Satellites: | None |
| Native Species: | No Intelligent Life |
| Location: | Beta Quadrant |
| Affiliation: | United Federation of Planets |
The planet Gamma Doradus III is located in Federation space along the Romulan Neutral Zone, one of several planets around the variable star Gamma Doradus. The planet is uninhabitable due to deadly radiation from its sun which penetrates its atmosphere and also due to the nature of its indigenous lifeforms, giant insect like creatures, many of which possess the ability to secrete acidic substances. In 2492, Federation scientists constructed a science facility in the side of a mountain to study the insects. The facility was abandoned in 2497 only to be reopened and upgraded by Star Fleet during the Second Romulan War for use as a defensive outpost. It was subsequently abandoned again after the war.
In 2411, reports that Romulan terrorists were using the facility as a base and storing a cache of ultritium within it prompted Star Fleet to send the USS Columbia to the planet to investigate and secure the explosives and the facility. During the mission, part of the planet suffered damage when a Romulan Pvash Class Heavy Cruiser carrying ultritium exploded in orbit, sending a blastwave to the surface which knocked down trees and killed many insects. The planet was further devastated when, unable to secure the base, the Columbia was forced to detonate the ultritium within it to prevent it from being used by the terrorists. The resulting explosion caused severe damage to the world. Chunks of its surface were blow off into space, where they now orbit in a shallow ring, and the planet's rotation was slightly slowed. It was also left wobbling on its axis by a fraction of a degree. The effects of the explosion on native lifeforms is unknown at present. (See Raid on Gamma Doradus III.)
