What is an Omega molecule in Star Trek and why is it so dangerous?

Nus Braka (Paul Giamatti) has been a recurring villain in Starfleet Academy since he took over the USS Athena in the series premiere. Episode 9, '300th Night,' reveals his grand plan: he intends to use Omega molecules, a dangerously unstable substance first introduced in Star Trek: Voyager.

In Star Trek lore, Omega is an extremely powerful and unstable molecule that may have been the cause of the Big Bang. A single molecule contains as much power as a warp core, but when it destabilizes it creates an explosion that rips through subspace and makes warp travel in that area impossible for years.

Experiments by the Borg and Starfleet caused death and destruction, prompting Starfleet to suppress knowledge of Omega, ban further research, and issue an Omega Directive ordering captains to destroy any Omega they encounter.

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