Temporal distortion
A temporal distortion is a warp or fracture in the spacetime continuum, which can oftentimes be associated with the phenomenon of time travel, but also capable of destroying a starship if they were too strong. Temporal distortions can often be detected via tachyon particles, which are created as a side effect. (; )

Overview
In 2278, the  encountered a temporal distortion, causing it to travel forward in time to the year 2368, where it encountered the  in the area of space known as the Typhon Expanse. When the Bozeman collided with the Enterprise, the resultant explosion, being in close proximity to the distortion, ruptured the spacetime continuum, trapping both ships in a temporal causality loop wherein the Enterprise continually encountered the Bozeman and was subsequently destroyed. In the last loop the collision was prevented, sparing the two ships. ()

26th century time-pods produced detectable temporal distortions when traveling through time. Such a distortion was observed by the crew of the Enterprise in 2368, when a time-pod piloted by Berlinghoff Rasmussen arrived near their position. ()

In 2368, while investigating an apparent temporal incursion into Earth's past by the Devidians, the Enterprise crew detected temporal distortions on the surface of Devidia II. Data's analysis indicated that the distortions were indicative of a synchronic distortion in which the Devidians were hiding. The distortions were later closed by the Enterprise. ()

In an alternate timeline, the  was transported back to the late-22nd century by a temporal distortion in the quantum energy barrier surrounding Gaia. This timeline was negated when Odo's older counterpart changed the ship's flight plan so that they would avoid the distortion. ()

A temporal disruptor, a 29th century weapon, produced temporal distortions as it fractured spacetime within a radius of 150 meters. Such a weapon was placed aboard the  in 2372, leading to Voyagers destruction in 2375. The crew of the 29th century Timeship  recruited Seven of Nine from this time period to avert these events. This timeline was later negated when Seven, with assistance from Captain Kathryn Janeway from 2372, was able to stop the saboteur from planting the temporal disruptor on Voyager in the first place. ()

In 2376, Kes traveled back in time to 2371 by drawing power directly from Voyagers warp core. Kes's arrival in the past produced temporal distortions resulting in the presence of tachyon particles throughout the ship. These particles caused Lieutenant Tuvok to experience a series of premonitions about the future, allowing the crew to prepare for Kes's arrival in five years time, and subsequently prevent her from traveling back in time in the first place. ()

See also
Temporal disruption

External link
 

de:Temporale Verzerrung
Time travel
Astronomical phenomena