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NOVA bomb: Difference between revisions
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
The NOVA bomb is a cluster of nine nuclear fusion warheads, each encased in [[Wikipedia:lithium|lithium]] triteride armor. The casing serves as additional fusionable material to the initial nine warheads. When the nine fusion warheads are detonated, the lithium triteride casings are forced together in the center of the combined blast and subjected to massive levels of pressure and superheating,<ref name="fs19"/> achieving "neutron star density" according to Vice Admiral [[Danforth Whitcomb]]. It is because of the energy released by the nuclear fusion of the additional material that the resulting detonation's yield is magnified a hundredfold over that of the nine warheads alone.<ref name="GoO27">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''Chapter 27''</ref> The NOVA bomb carries an unprecedented payload for its size; the bombs are considered "planet killers" due to their destructive potential.<ref name="fs19"/> | |||
Originally intended for use against the Covenant in space,<ref name="fs19"/> the NOVA bomb has been used in two known engagements: in orbit over the planet Joyous Exultation, and on the surface of the planet [[Glyke]].<ref name="Envoy">'''[[Halo: Envoy]]'''</ref> In both cases, the effects were extreme. When the bomb was detonated above Joyous Exultation, it heated the planet's atmosphere, scorched one quarter of its surface and shattered a [[Malhiem|nearby moon]]. When detonated directly on a planet's surface—as was the case on Glyke—the explosion's power was enough to disrupt the planet's structure and overcome the binding energy of its gravity, turning it into a vast cloud of debris and killing every living thing in, on, and around the planet almost instantly.{{Ref/Reuse|Envoy}} | Originally intended for use against the Covenant in space,<ref name="fs19"/> the NOVA bomb has been used in two known engagements: in orbit over the planet Joyous Exultation, and on the surface of the planet [[Glyke]].<ref name="Envoy">'''[[Halo: Envoy]]'''</ref> In both cases, the effects were extreme. When the bomb was detonated above Joyous Exultation, it heated the planet's atmosphere, scorched one quarter of its surface and shattered a [[Malhiem|nearby moon]]. When detonated directly on a planet's surface—as was the case on Glyke—the explosion's power was enough to disrupt the planet's structure and overcome the binding energy of its gravity, turning it into a vast cloud of debris and killing every living thing in, on, and around the planet almost instantly.{{Ref/Reuse|Envoy}} | ||