Star Trek (TNG) Tech Manual-pp123 (by R. Sternbach & M. Okuda: Pocket Books, 1991)
PHASed Energy Rectification (PHASER) energy is released through the application of the rapid nadion effect (RNE). Rapid nadions are short lived subatomic particles possessinng special properties related to high-speed interactions within atomic nuclei.
Star Trek (TNG) Tech Manual-pp125
Phaser energy will travel at c (speed of light) to the target.
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My opinion (if anyone cares) is that phasers are worthless at anything at or above light speed. Even though it is made of subatomic particles; the phaser is only at c. If your car were traveling at c your head lights would not work(as you would be traveling with, or faster, than the light. Same would be true for the phasers. (My opinion of course my not work for everyone.)
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Please remember that objects on the rear sensors are closer than they appear. Redwood
[This message has been edited by redwood973 (edited 04-24-2001).]