Thargoid Sensor: Difference between revisions
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{{Quote|These strange objects are of Thargoid origin. They have the ability to repair themselves by extracting non-organic material from their immediate environment, and this self-repair mechanism can severely damage starships and other machinery. They can also scan nearby vessels and celestial bodies, and transmit information about the scanned object in an encrypted form.|In-Game Description}} | {{Quote|These strange objects are of Thargoid origin. They have the ability to repair themselves by extracting non-organic material from their immediate environment, and this self-repair mechanism can severely damage starships and other machinery. They can also scan nearby vessels and celestial bodies, and transmit information about the scanned object in an encrypted form.|In-Game Description}} | ||
'''Thargoid Sensors''', originally known as '''Unknown | '''Thargoid Sensors''', originally known as '''Unknown Artefacts''' or '''UAs''', are devices of unknown purpose created by the [[Thargoids]] and found at numerous sites across the [[Pleiades Nebula]]. The first of these objects was discovered by independent pilots on May 4, 3301, although it is believed that the [[Federation]] was already researching them by then. When [[Starport]]s began going offline due to technical problems caused by Unknown Artefacts sold on local black markets, a phenomenon first reported in the [[Warkushanui]] system, it became a [[#UA Bombing|popular practice]] among outlaw pilots to sell the objects with the express aim of shutting certain Starports down. On June 26, 3303, it was discovered that the objects could be used to open doors in [[Thargoid Surface Site]]s, directly linking them to the [[Thargoids]] for the first time. On [[Elite Dangerous: Horizons#The Return - v2.4|September 26, 3303]], Unknown Artefacts were formally reclassified as Thargoid Sensors. | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
[[File:Thargoid Sensor 001.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Sensor close-up]] | [[File:Thargoid Sensor 001.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Sensor close-up]] | ||
Thargoid Sensors are approximately two meters long, with a "head" resting atop a segmented stalk supporting three columns of canister-like objects. They emit constant noises that can be heard in close proximity. If shot with weapons or rammed, the Sensor will break up into a number of [[Materials]] called [[Sensor Fragment]]s. A Thargoid Sensor will inflict constant corrosive damage to random ship modules, similar to [[Toxic Waste]], unless transported in a [[Corrosion Resistant Cargo Rack]]. If a Sensor is ejected from a cargo hold, it will degrade over time and disintegrate in about six minutes; the degradation can be halted and reversed by returning it to a cargo hold. Note that if a [[Thargoid Interceptor]] detects a ship is carrying a Thargoid Sensor, it will immediately become hostile.[[File:Professor-Palin-and-Unknown- | Thargoid Sensors are approximately two meters long, with a "head" resting atop a segmented stalk supporting three columns of canister-like objects. They emit constant noises that can be heard in close proximity. If shot with weapons or rammed, the Sensor will break up into a number of [[Materials]] called [[Sensor Fragment]]s. A Thargoid Sensor will inflict constant corrosive damage to random ship modules, similar to [[Toxic Waste]], unless transported in a [[Corrosion Resistant Cargo Rack]]. If a Sensor is ejected from a cargo hold, it will degrade over time and disintegrate in about six minutes; the degradation can be halted and reversed by returning it to a cargo hold. Note that if a [[Thargoid Interceptor]] detects a ship is carrying a Thargoid Sensor, it will immediately become hostile.[[File:Professor-Palin-and-Unknown-Artefact.png|thumb|250px|Professor Ishmael Palin and a Thargoid Sensor]]It appears that the Thargoid Sensor performs some kind of scan of the closest celestial object or station and then emits a highly distorted [[Wikipedia:Morse code|Morse code]] which represents that body.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/ua-mystery-thread-3-the-canonn.175726/#post-2701750 Frontier Forums: UA Mystery Thread 3: The Canonn, post #3]</ref><ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/ua-mystery-thread-3-the-canonn.175726/page-5#post-2702300 Frontier Forums: UA Mystery Thread 3: The Canonn, post #83]</ref> A Sensor will also scan all ships within 1 kilometre, and point and align itself with Merope, a star system in the [[Pleiades Nebula]]. Recordings and decoding of Sensor data also show that it produces a basic line drawing of the ship it scans. | ||
== Locations == | == Locations == | ||
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==Timeline== | ==Timeline== | ||
[[File:Thargoid-Sensor-in-Space.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Sensor in space]] | [[File:Thargoid-Sensor-in-Space.png|thumb|250px|Thargoid Sensor in space]] | ||
{{Quote|Only recently discovered, these mysterious | {{Quote|Only recently discovered, these mysterious artefacts currently have no designation. Despite much conjecture as to the nature of these objects, it appears that the scientific community is unwilling or unable to openly identify the artefacts' origins. Such mystery only serves to make these objects more widely sought after by wealthy individuals and organisations alike, no matter that their unidentified status automatically prohibits them from being sold on any legal market.|Original In-Game Description for Unknown Artefacts/Thargoid Sensors}} | ||
===3301=== | ===3301=== | ||
'''13 March''': The Unknown | '''13 March''': The Unknown Artefact appeared for the first time as cargo on board the ship in the official 1.2 Wings trailer.<ref name=":3">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23GEX4pYL9w YouTube: Wings Trailer]</ref> | ||
'''14 March''': Strange chatter in a Federal Convoy in the Tanmark system reported on Reddit.<ref>[http://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/2z0w6g/thargoid_transport_in_tanmark/ reddit: Thargoid transport in Tanmark?]</ref> | '''14 March''': Strange chatter in a Federal Convoy in the Tanmark system reported on Reddit.<ref>[http://www.reddit.com/r/EliteDangerous/comments/2z0w6g/thargoid_transport_in_tanmark/ reddit: Thargoid transport in Tanmark?]</ref> | ||
'''28 April''': Dr. Arcanonn asks a simple question and starts the longest thread in Elite Dangerous Forums' history (now closed) which reached almost 10k posts and had to be redirected to a new thread.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/soontill-relics-the-regor-permit-sector-and-dbs-cryptic-hints.141038/#post-2160913 Frontier Forums: Soontill Relics, the Regor Permit Sector and DB's cryptic hints...., post #15]</ref><ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown- | '''28 April''': Dr. Arcanonn asks a simple question and starts the longest thread in Elite Dangerous Forums' history (now closed) which reached almost 10k posts and had to be redirected to a new thread.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/soontill-relics-the-regor-permit-sector-and-dbs-cryptic-hints.141038/#post-2160913 Frontier Forums: Soontill Relics, the Regor Permit Sector and DB's cryptic hints...., post #15]</ref><ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown-artefact-or-artifact-community-thread-the-canonn.162998/ Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn]</ref> | ||
'''28 April''': Michael Brookes comes into the forum thread and says, ''"Have you listened to them?"'' Garbled Morse code has since been discovered to be in the 'Chittering' part of the sound;<ref name=":1">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown- | '''28 April''': Michael Brookes comes into the forum thread and says, ''"Have you listened to them?"'' Garbled Morse code has since been discovered to be in the 'Chittering' part of the sound;<ref name=":1">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown-artefact-or-artifact-community-thread-the-canonn.162998/page-26#post-2507590 Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #512]</ref> Multiple video and audio recordings of Thargoid Sensor noises were compiled and analyzed by pilots in an effort to decode their meanings. | ||
'''30 April''': YouTube video posted by a user who had previously posted a UA hoax, so nobody believed it.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bAKBADBzC8 YouTube: Unknown Artifact]</ref> | '''30 April''': YouTube video posted by a user who had previously posted a UA hoax, so nobody believed it.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bAKBADBzC8 YouTube: Unknown Artifact]</ref> | ||
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'''4 May''': Wishblend finds the first UA in 109 Virginis, but unfortunately doesn't get it.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/soontill-relics-the-regor-permit-sector-and-dbs-cryptic-hints.141038/page-115#post-2187286 Frontier Forums: Soontill Relics, the Regor Permit Sector and DB's cryptic hints...., post #2,293]</ref> Henceforth officially celebrated as UA Day across the galaxy, and the official title of UA Seeker was born. That afternoon, a further number were spotted but RedWizzard finally managed to actually grab one in Timocani.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/soontill-relics-the-regor-permit-sector-and-dbs-cryptic-hints.141038/page-119#post-2187567 Frontier Forums: Soontill Relics, the Regor Permit Sector and DB's cryptic hints...., post #2,373]</ref> | '''4 May''': Wishblend finds the first UA in 109 Virginis, but unfortunately doesn't get it.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/soontill-relics-the-regor-permit-sector-and-dbs-cryptic-hints.141038/page-115#post-2187286 Frontier Forums: Soontill Relics, the Regor Permit Sector and DB's cryptic hints...., post #2,293]</ref> Henceforth officially celebrated as UA Day across the galaxy, and the official title of UA Seeker was born. That afternoon, a further number were spotted but RedWizzard finally managed to actually grab one in Timocani.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/soontill-relics-the-regor-permit-sector-and-dbs-cryptic-hints.141038/page-119#post-2187567 Frontier Forums: Soontill Relics, the Regor Permit Sector and DB's cryptic hints...., post #2,373]</ref> | ||
'''4 May''': ''[Player Submitted]'' GalNet reports baffled 'scientists' (players involved in the search and recovery UAs) having found an Unknown | '''4 May''': ''[Player Submitted]'' GalNet reports baffled 'scientists' (players involved in the search and recovery UAs) having found an Unknown Artefact.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/86f2081368ff47d51ff9239e8b2f75bc16e34af8 GalNet: Scientists Baffled by Mysterious Artefacts]</ref> | ||
'''7 May''': ''[Player Submitted]'' Dr. Arcanonn challenges President Halsey about UAs. <ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/e4997791212280957af91846c238aef9b78d15d8 GalNet: Arcanonn Challenges Halsey]</ref> | '''7 May''': ''[Player Submitted]'' Dr. Arcanonn challenges President Halsey about UAs. <ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/e4997791212280957af91846c238aef9b78d15d8 GalNet: Arcanonn Challenges Halsey]</ref> | ||
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'''18 May''': Analysis of [[Soontill Relics]] finds no direct link to humans or Thargoids, further tests planned.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/2ff0af566b06e051c2af52cd02a467351b449535 GalNet: Soontill Relics Test Results Queried]</ref> | '''18 May''': Analysis of [[Soontill Relics]] finds no direct link to humans or Thargoids, further tests planned.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/2ff0af566b06e051c2af52cd02a467351b449535 GalNet: Soontill Relics Test Results Queried]</ref> | ||
'''20 May''': ''[Player Submitted]'' Tonnes of [[Biowaste]] dropped at 78 Ursae Majoris in protest against Federal cover-up of the UA, Dr. Arcanonn denies links with the action.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/32edcb230646f31c35f0edc87880b5f692f33452 GalNet: Anti-Federation Terrorists Linked to | '''20 May''': ''[Player Submitted]'' Tonnes of [[Biowaste]] dropped at 78 Ursae Majoris in protest against Federal cover-up of the UA, Dr. Arcanonn denies links with the action.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/32edcb230646f31c35f0edc87880b5f692f33452 GalNet: Anti-Federation Terrorists Linked to Artefact Research]</ref> | ||
'''23 May''': ''[Player Submitted]'' A weird message is broadcast from someone somewhere trying to say something negative about the 'scientists' efforts.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/a817ba0a6348b4d65e6ca77a171aa300d2998ef9 GalNet: Extraordinary Transmission Contesting Dr Arcanonn]</ref> | '''23 May''': ''[Player Submitted]'' A weird message is broadcast from someone somewhere trying to say something negative about the 'scientists' efforts.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/a817ba0a6348b4d65e6ca77a171aa300d2998ef9 GalNet: Extraordinary Transmission Contesting Dr Arcanonn]</ref> | ||
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'''27 June''': CMDR Kerrash talks about various things, including Thargoid conjecture (''"They are coming."''), and the UA and confirms there is something to it, and appeals, ''"If any people watching have got in with the UA thing and got halfway in and not looked into it anymore, please pleeease carry on looking, there is something there, there is an interesting secret there, please look, and the SAP 8 containers as well, there is something going on, don't give up!."''<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RD6rmO_28s?t=10m53s YouTube: Elite: Dangerous - Kerrash Landing #110 - 2/2]</ref> | '''27 June''': CMDR Kerrash talks about various things, including Thargoid conjecture (''"They are coming."''), and the UA and confirms there is something to it, and appeals, ''"If any people watching have got in with the UA thing and got halfway in and not looked into it anymore, please pleeease carry on looking, there is something there, there is an interesting secret there, please look, and the SAP 8 containers as well, there is something going on, don't give up!."''<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RD6rmO_28s?t=10m53s YouTube: Elite: Dangerous - Kerrash Landing #110 - 2/2]</ref> | ||
'''5 July''': CMDR Kerrash comes into the new thread, asks, ''"Has anybody cracked it yet?"'' when gently prodded follows up, ''"Frontier did not spend all this effort in making a wild goose chase, I would imagine quite the fanfare when the truth is uncovered. BTW Are we even sure it is Morse code?"'' and, ''"Yes there is more to it, I will see if I can get FD to drop another hint."''<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown- | '''5 July''': CMDR Kerrash comes into the new thread, asks, ''"Has anybody cracked it yet?"'' when gently prodded follows up, ''"Frontier did not spend all this effort in making a wild goose chase, I would imagine quite the fanfare when the truth is uncovered. BTW Are we even sure it is Morse code?"'' and, ''"Yes there is more to it, I will see if I can get FD to drop another hint."''<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown-artefact-or-artifact-community-thread-the-canonn.162998/page-14#post-2502255 Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #263]</ref><ref name=":2">[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown-artefact-or-artifact-community-thread-the-canonn.162998/page-14#post-2502284 Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #267]</ref> | ||
'''6 July''': CMDR Branch finds another UA.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown- | '''6 July''': CMDR Branch finds another UA.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown-artefact-or-artifact-community-thread-the-canonn.162998/page-17#post-2503739 Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #340]</ref> | ||
'''10 July''': [player submitted] UA Scientists claim a breakthrough that the UA broadcasts its closest celestial body (or station) in a form of Morse code.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/559fde649657ba225a47e853 GalNet: Breakthrough in | '''10 July''': [player submitted] UA Scientists claim a breakthrough that the UA broadcasts its closest celestial body (or station) in a form of Morse code.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/559fde649657ba225a47e853 GalNet: Breakthrough in Artefact Research?]</ref> | ||
'''14 July''': CMDR Patau82 spots another convoy in Timocani, but unfortunately fails to grab it.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown- | '''14 July''': CMDR Patau82 spots another convoy in Timocani, but unfortunately fails to grab it.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown-artefact-or-artifact-community-thread-the-canonn.162998/page-95#post-2542242 Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #1,896]</ref> | ||
'''17 July''': CMDR Kerrash briefly mentions the UA hunt again in his stream.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaNKzXqZHg4#t=1289 YouTube: Elite: Dangerous - Kerrash Landing #112]</ref> | '''17 July''': CMDR Kerrash briefly mentions the UA hunt again in his stream.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaNKzXqZHg4#t=1289 YouTube: Elite: Dangerous - Kerrash Landing #112]</ref> | ||
'''19 July''': CMDR Branch finds another UA, the first known commander to retrieve two. This replaced one he had loaned to CMDR Zenith, which was lost to a player killer (not pirate).<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown- | '''19 July''': CMDR Branch finds another UA, the first known commander to retrieve two. This replaced one he had loaned to CMDR Zenith, which was lost to a player killer (not pirate).<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown-artefact-or-artifact-community-thread-the-canonn.162998/page-146#post-2561730 Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #2,915]</ref> | ||
'''23 July''': CMDR Britain finds an Unknown Artefact.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown- | '''23 July''': CMDR Britain finds an Unknown Artefact.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown-artefact-or-artifact-community-thread-the-canonn.162998/page-207#post-2583760 Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #4,131] </ref> | ||
'''25 July''': CMDR Branch finds another UA, bringing the known possessed count back up to 3. This is also the third UA Branch has recovered.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown-artefact-or-artifact-community-thread-the-canonn.162998/page-231#post-2593742 Frontier Forums: Unknown | '''25 July''': CMDR Branch finds another UA, bringing the known possessed count back up to 3. This is also the third UA Branch has recovered.<ref>[https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/unknown-artefact-or-artifact-community-thread-the-canonn.162998/page-231#post-2593742 Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #4,605]</ref> | ||
'''28 July:''' CMDR Blain Crighton & his wing manage to obtain two Unknown | '''28 July:''' CMDR Blain Crighton & his wing manage to obtain two Unknown Artefacts from the same convoy.<ref group="nb">Obtaining two Unknown Artefacts from the same convoy may be the result of a P2P bug</ref> One of theirs was accidentally crushed after being released in a station, the other was sold at Leonard Nimoy Memorial Station.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_J6apLfs1I YouTube: Selling UA at LNS]</ref> | ||
'''15 August:''' CMDR Boblit67 discovers the first free-floating Unknown Artefact in a signal source in HR 1185. This is also the first Unknown | '''15 August:''' CMDR Boblit67 discovers the first free-floating Unknown Artefact in a signal source in HR 1185. This is also the first Unknown Artefact obtained by an Xbox One player of Elite Dangerous.<ref>[http://xboxdvr.com/gamer/Boblit67/video/6970550 Gamer DVR: Unknown Artefact]</ref> | ||
'''13 October:''' Canonn Interstellar Research Group Announces Breakthrough.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/561b89a49657bac839202698 GalNet: Canonn Interstellar Research Group Announces Breakthrough]</ref> | '''13 October:''' Canonn Interstellar Research Group Announces Breakthrough.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/561b89a49657bac839202698 GalNet: Canonn Interstellar Research Group Announces Breakthrough]</ref> | ||
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'''29 October:''' Technical Issues in 64 Arietis.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5631f2919657bafb4ac8185b GalNet: Technical Issues in 64 Arietis]</ref> | '''29 October:''' Technical Issues in 64 Arietis.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5631f2919657bafb4ac8185b GalNet: Technical Issues in 64 Arietis]</ref> | ||
'''29 October:''' CIRG Researcher Addresses | '''29 October:''' CIRG Researcher Addresses Artefact Developments.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5631fca59657bad642c8185c GalNet: CIRG Researcher Addresses Artefact Developments]</ref> | ||
'''2 November:''' Trouble in Varati.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/563799119657ba15025fe4ab GalNet: Trouble in Varati]</ref> | '''2 November:''' Trouble in Varati.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/563799119657ba15025fe4ab GalNet: Trouble in Varati]</ref> | ||
'''16 November:''' Market Value of Unknown Artefacts Increases.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/564a172f9657ba1b090ca1ed GalNet: Market Value of Unknown | '''16 November:''' Market Value of Unknown Artefacts Increases.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/564a172f9657ba1b090ca1ed GalNet: Market Value of Unknown Artefacts Increases]</ref> | ||
'''19 November:''' More Malfunction Reports.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/564dbc539657bacd1c4355aa GalNet: More Malfunction Reports]</ref> | '''19 November:''' More Malfunction Reports.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/564dbc539657bacd1c4355aa GalNet: More Malfunction Reports]</ref> | ||
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'''26 November:''' CIRG Sends Scientists to Bond Hub.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5656ec669657ba5f70802b4d GalNet: CIRG Sends Scientists to Bond Hub]</ref> | '''26 November:''' CIRG Sends Scientists to Bond Hub.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/5656ec669657ba5f70802b4d GalNet: CIRG Sends Scientists to Bond Hub]</ref> | ||
'''4 December:''' The Canonn Calls for Halt to | '''4 December:''' The Canonn Calls for Halt to Artefact Sales.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/galnet/uid/56617d6b9657ba562b10d8c3 GalNet: The Canonn Calls for Halt to Artefact Sales]</ref> | ||
===3302=== | ===3302=== | ||
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===3303=== | ===3303=== | ||
'''19 January:''' Community Goal: Sirius Corp. to Address Unknown- | '''19 January:''' Community Goal: Sirius Corp. to Address Unknown-Artefact Issue.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/5880da949657ba500a8c0274 GalNet: Community Goal: Sirius Corp. to Address Unknown-Artefact Issue]</ref> | ||
'''24 January:''' Starport Status Update.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/58876d569657ba8c1ac2d313 GalNet: Galactic News: Starport Status Update]</ref> | '''24 January:''' Starport Status Update.<ref>[https://community.elitedangerous.com/en/galnet/uid/58876d569657ba8c1ac2d313 GalNet: Galactic News: Starport Status Update]</ref> | ||
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== Videos == | == Videos == | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:Elite_Dangerous_- | File:Elite_Dangerous_-_Epic_History_of_The_Unknown_Artefact | ||
File:Elite Dangerous UA Features | File:Elite Dangerous UA Features | ||
File:Elite_Dangerous_-_Unknown_Artifact | File:Elite_Dangerous_-_Unknown_Artifact | ||
| Line 165: | Line 165: | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
File:Thargoid-Sensor-in-Space.png|Thargoid Sensor in space | File:Thargoid-Sensor-in-Space.png|Thargoid Sensor in space | ||
File:UA-Merope.jpg |Unknown | File:UA-Merope.jpg |Unknown Artefact found on Merope 5 C | ||
20160712135018_1.jpg|Unknown | 20160712135018_1.jpg|Unknown Artefact illuminated by an A-Type star in front of an Asp Explorer | ||
20160712134938_1.jpg|Unknown | 20160712134938_1.jpg|Unknown Artefact in HIP 14479 | ||
Sensor.png|Thargoid Sensor Blueprint | Sensor.png|Thargoid Sensor Blueprint | ||
Ua-convoyB.jpg | Ua-convoyB.jpg | ||
Ua-convoyA.jpg | Ua-convoyA.jpg | ||
Ua-chat-text.png|NPC chat at a Military Convoy transporting a UA | Ua-chat-text.png|NPC chat at a Military Convoy transporting a UA | ||
UADegradation.png|Unknown | UADegradation.png|Unknown Artefact degradation over time. A UA can survive 6m40s before exploding. | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Revision as of 13:36, 19 December 2023
Template:CommodityInfobox Template:Quote Thargoid Sensors, originally known as Unknown Artefacts or UAs, are devices of unknown purpose created by the Thargoids and found at numerous sites across the Pleiades Nebula. The first of these objects was discovered by independent pilots on May 4, 3301, although it is believed that the Federation was already researching them by then. When Starports began going offline due to technical problems caused by Unknown Artefacts sold on local black markets, a phenomenon first reported in the Warkushanui system, it became a popular practice among outlaw pilots to sell the objects with the express aim of shutting certain Starports down. On June 26, 3303, it was discovered that the objects could be used to open doors in Thargoid Surface Sites, directly linking them to the Thargoids for the first time. On September 26, 3303, Unknown Artefacts were formally reclassified as Thargoid Sensors.
Description
Thargoid Sensors are approximately two meters long, with a "head" resting atop a segmented stalk supporting three columns of canister-like objects. They emit constant noises that can be heard in close proximity. If shot with weapons or rammed, the Sensor will break up into a number of Materials called Sensor Fragments. A Thargoid Sensor will inflict constant corrosive damage to random ship modules, similar to Toxic Waste, unless transported in a Corrosion Resistant Cargo Rack. If a Sensor is ejected from a cargo hold, it will degrade over time and disintegrate in about six minutes; the degradation can be halted and reversed by returning it to a cargo hold. Note that if a Thargoid Interceptor detects a ship is carrying a Thargoid Sensor, it will immediately become hostile.
It appears that the Thargoid Sensor performs some kind of scan of the closest celestial object or station and then emits a highly distorted Morse code which represents that body.[1][2] A Sensor will also scan all ships within 1 kilometre, and point and align itself with Merope, a star system in the Pleiades Nebula. Recordings and decoding of Sensor data also show that it produces a basic line drawing of the ship it scans.
Locations
Thargoid Sensors were originally rare,[3] but have become common in systems within a 150 ly radius of Merope that contain Non-Human Signal Sources or Crashed Thargoid Ships. A Threat Level 4 Non-Human Signal Source will usually contain a single Thargoid Sensor, though if a Thargoid Interceptor is present it will become hostile if the Sensor is retrieved. Alien Crash Sites sometimes contain salvageable Thargoid Sensors found near the wreckage. They can also be found at certain Shipwrecks, such as the crashed Anaconda on LTT 1935 6 A. Outside of the zone centered on the Pleiades Nebula, they may also be found in other regions known for Thargoid activity, such as the Witch Head Nebula and Coalsack Nebula, and in planetside sides known as Nonhuman Signatures.
Sensors can also be obtained from Threat Level 4 Military Convoys, where they are being transported by a Type-9 Heavy and can be stolen using Hatch Breakers. There are two convoy configurations: the first includes the Type-9, a Vulture, two Anacondas, and assorted other ships, and the second includes the Type-9 with an escort of four Anacondas. The Type-9 will usually charge its Frame Shift Drive and jump to another system to escape, so it is recommended to attack in a Wing, with one member focusing on the Type-9 while the others distract the escorts.
Crashed Sensor Probes usually found in Ammonia systems and have materials besides them so those are great for Sensor fragments farming. They are found by manually scan moons and planets around the giant or near. As an example you can see Juenae RX-L c10-8193 A 2 b and Pleiades Sector FG-Y d32. It's not fully consistent but the likely hoods is high even outside the bubble.
UA Bombing
"UA Bombing" was the colloquial term for the practice of selling Thargoid Sensors en masse at a specific station with a black market, with the goal of shutting that station down using the Sensors' technology-disrupting properties. Stations that were shut down could still be docked with, but had most services disabled, similar to a Lockdown state. While the effects of UA Bombing were not permanent and would reverse over time even without intervention, the suspension of vital station services for several weeks could be an inconvenience.
UA Bombing required a significant quantity of Thargoid Sensors, up to 100, though the number varied. The Sensors had to all be sold at the same station within the same week for the UA Bombing to be successful. Once enough Sensors were sold, the station would experience "technical issues" and be "on the brink of closure". At that time, selling thousands of units of Meta-Alloys at that station before the next weekly server downtime period could counteract the Sensors and prevent the shutdown entirely. If no action was taken, then after the weekly server downtime the station was forced to shutdown. If this occurred, the station would automatically begin repairing itself, but the process took several weeks on its own. Meta-Alloys could be sold there to increase the pace of repairs and shorten the shutdown period.
On November 29, 3304, Aegis announced a breakthrough in Meta-Alloy research that allowed extremely small quantities of Meta-Alloys to provide sufficient protection against Thargoid Sensor-related interference, and arranged for shipments of Meta-Alloys to be distributed to affected stations. This effectively marked the end of UA Bombing, as Thargoid Sensors ceased to cause technological damage to stations, and the sale of Thargoid commodities in general was legalized.[4][5]
Timeline
3301
13 March: The Unknown Artefact appeared for the first time as cargo on board the ship in the official 1.2 Wings trailer.[6]
14 March: Strange chatter in a Federal Convoy in the Tanmark system reported on Reddit.[7]
28 April: Dr. Arcanonn asks a simple question and starts the longest thread in Elite Dangerous Forums' history (now closed) which reached almost 10k posts and had to be redirected to a new thread.[8][9]
28 April: Michael Brookes comes into the forum thread and says, "Have you listened to them?" Garbled Morse code has since been discovered to be in the 'Chittering' part of the sound;[10] Multiple video and audio recordings of Thargoid Sensor noises were compiled and analyzed by pilots in an effort to decode their meanings.
30 April: YouTube video posted by a user who had previously posted a UA hoax, so nobody believed it.[11]
4 May: Wishblend finds the first UA in 109 Virginis, but unfortunately doesn't get it.[12] Henceforth officially celebrated as UA Day across the galaxy, and the official title of UA Seeker was born. That afternoon, a further number were spotted but RedWizzard finally managed to actually grab one in Timocani.[13]
4 May: [Player Submitted] GalNet reports baffled 'scientists' (players involved in the search and recovery UAs) having found an Unknown Artefact.[14]
7 May: [Player Submitted] Dr. Arcanonn challenges President Halsey about UAs. [15]
8 May: Two sightings of UA Convoys by CMDR Nilreb in Blatrimpe.[16][17]
15 May: Another UA Convoy sighting, this time in HIP 102128.[18]
17 May: [Player Submitted] Dr. Arcanonn accuses the Federation of a cover-up of the UAs.[19]
18 May: Analysis of Soontill Relics finds no direct link to humans or Thargoids, further tests planned.[20]
20 May: [Player Submitted] Tonnes of Biowaste dropped at 78 Ursae Majoris in protest against Federal cover-up of the UA, Dr. Arcanonn denies links with the action.[21]
23 May: [Player Submitted] A weird message is broadcast from someone somewhere trying to say something negative about the 'scientists' efforts.[22]
28/29 May: Conspiracy theories abound concerning the recent disappearance of Starship One and President Halsey.[23]
22 June: CMDR MahdDogg publishes his panel discussion about Powerplay, in which CMDR Kerrash mentions, "About the whole UA thing, there is something behind that, but no one has figured it out yet," (29m 30s) and, "[Frontier] have put some really obvious [clues] in there and we don't want to put anything else in," for fear of spoiling what is to come in the future.[24]
27 June: CMDR Kerrash talks about various things, including Thargoid conjecture ("They are coming."), and the UA and confirms there is something to it, and appeals, "If any people watching have got in with the UA thing and got halfway in and not looked into it anymore, please pleeease carry on looking, there is something there, there is an interesting secret there, please look, and the SAP 8 containers as well, there is something going on, don't give up!."[25]
5 July: CMDR Kerrash comes into the new thread, asks, "Has anybody cracked it yet?" when gently prodded follows up, "Frontier did not spend all this effort in making a wild goose chase, I would imagine quite the fanfare when the truth is uncovered. BTW Are we even sure it is Morse code?" and, "Yes there is more to it, I will see if I can get FD to drop another hint."[26][27]
6 July: CMDR Branch finds another UA.[28]
10 July: [player submitted] UA Scientists claim a breakthrough that the UA broadcasts its closest celestial body (or station) in a form of Morse code.[29]
14 July: CMDR Patau82 spots another convoy in Timocani, but unfortunately fails to grab it.[30]
17 July: CMDR Kerrash briefly mentions the UA hunt again in his stream.[31]
19 July: CMDR Branch finds another UA, the first known commander to retrieve two. This replaced one he had loaned to CMDR Zenith, which was lost to a player killer (not pirate).[32]
23 July: CMDR Britain finds an Unknown Artefact.[33]
25 July: CMDR Branch finds another UA, bringing the known possessed count back up to 3. This is also the third UA Branch has recovered.[34]
28 July: CMDR Blain Crighton & his wing manage to obtain two Unknown Artefacts from the same convoy.[nb 1] One of theirs was accidentally crushed after being released in a station, the other was sold at Leonard Nimoy Memorial Station.[35]
15 August: CMDR Boblit67 discovers the first free-floating Unknown Artefact in a signal source in HR 1185. This is also the first Unknown Artefact obtained by an Xbox One player of Elite Dangerous.[36]
13 October: Canonn Interstellar Research Group Announces Breakthrough.[37]
16 October: Technical Trouble in the Warkushanui System.[38]
22 October: Technical Issues in Warkushanui Intensify.[39]
23 October: Technical Trouble in 49 Arietis.[40]
26 October: Federation Scientist Ishmael Palin Initiates Independent Research Program.[41]
28 October: Station Services Suspended at Gurragchaa Gateway.[42]
29 October: Technical Issues in 64 Arietis.[43]
29 October: CIRG Researcher Addresses Artefact Developments.[44]
2 November: Trouble in Varati.[45]
16 November: Market Value of Unknown Artefacts Increases.[46]
19 November: More Malfunction Reports.[47]
25 November: Services Suspended at Gaiman Dock and Weyn Dock.[48]
26 November: CIRG Sends Scientists to Bond Hub.[49]
4 December: The Canonn Calls for Halt to Artefact Sales.[50]
3302
4 January: Services Suspended at Gabriel Enterprise.[51]
7 January: Personnel at Obsidian Orbital Confirm Starport Still Operational.[52]
8 January: The Canonn Searching for Barnacles in the Pleiades.[53]
14 January: Obsidian Orbital Continuing to Deteriorate.[54]
15 January: Alien 'Barnacles' Discovered in the Pleiades.[55]
15 January: Good News from Obsidian Orbital.[56]
20 January: More Starports Fall Victim to Technological Plague.[57]
21 January: Community Goal: Professor Ishmael Palin Issues Request for Meta-Alloys.[58]
20 May: Malfunctioning Starports Restored with Meta-Alloys.[59]
26 May: Galactic News: No Sign of Jaques Station.[60]
1 July: Freelance Report: The Jaques Rescue Mission.[61]
30 August: Prospects for Malfunctioning Starports Improving.[62]
3303
19 January: Community Goal: Sirius Corp. to Address Unknown-Artefact Issue.[63]
24 January: Starport Status Update.[64]
1 December: Community Goal: Rogue Runners Appeal.[65]
3304
1 February: Galactic Community Comes to Aid of Dove Enigma.[66]
29 November: Thargoid-Sensor Disruption Neutralised.[4]
Notes
- ↑ Obtaining two Unknown Artefacts from the same convoy may be the result of a P2P bug
Videos
Gallery
-
Thargoid Sensor in space
-
Unknown Artefact found on Merope 5 C
-
Unknown Artefact illuminated by an A-Type star in front of an Asp Explorer
-
Unknown Artefact in HIP 14479
-
Thargoid Sensor Blueprint
-
NPC chat at a Military Convoy transporting a UA
-
Unknown Artefact degradation over time. A UA can survive 6m40s before exploding.
References
- ↑ Frontier Forums: UA Mystery Thread 3: The Canonn, post #3
- ↑ Frontier Forums: UA Mystery Thread 3: The Canonn, post #83
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Soontill Relics, the Regor Permit Sector and DB's cryptic hints...., post #1,053
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 GalNet: Thargoid-Sensor Disruption Neutralised
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Removal of 'UA Bombing'
- ↑ YouTube: Wings Trailer
- ↑ reddit: Thargoid transport in Tanmark?
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Soontill Relics, the Regor Permit Sector and DB's cryptic hints...., post #15
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #512
- ↑ YouTube: Unknown Artifact
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Soontill Relics, the Regor Permit Sector and DB's cryptic hints...., post #2,293
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Soontill Relics, the Regor Permit Sector and DB's cryptic hints...., post #2,373
- ↑ GalNet: Scientists Baffled by Mysterious Artefacts
- ↑ GalNet: Arcanonn Challenges Halsey
- ↑ imgur: Find convoi Blatrimpe 08.05.3301
- ↑ imgur: UA_hunt_#2
- ↑ reddit: Unknown Artifact found in Imperial Convoy by montiofwhitehat
- ↑ GalNet: Federation Accused of Cover-up
- ↑ GalNet: Soontill Relics Test Results Queried
- ↑ GalNet: Anti-Federation Terrorists Linked to Artefact Research
- ↑ GalNet: Extraordinary Transmission Contesting Dr Arcanonn
- ↑ GalNet: The Truth is Out There
- ↑ YouTube: State of the Game - Elite: Dangerous Panel Discussion
- ↑ YouTube: Elite: Dangerous - Kerrash Landing #110 - 2/2
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #263
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #267
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #340
- ↑ GalNet: Breakthrough in Artefact Research?
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #1,896
- ↑ YouTube: Elite: Dangerous - Kerrash Landing #112
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #2,915
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #4,131
- ↑ Frontier Forums: Unknown Artefact (or artifact) Community Thread - The Canonn, post #4,605
- ↑ YouTube: Selling UA at LNS
- ↑ Gamer DVR: Unknown Artefact
- ↑ GalNet: Canonn Interstellar Research Group Announces Breakthrough
- ↑ GalNet: Technical Trouble in the Warkushanui System
- ↑ GalNet: Technical Issues in Warkushanui Intensify
- ↑ GalNet: Technical Trouble in 49 Arietis
- ↑ GalNet: Federation Scientist Initiates Independent Research Programme
- ↑ GalNet: Station Services Suspended at Gurragchaa Gateway
- ↑ GalNet: Technical Issues in 64 Arietis
- ↑ GalNet: CIRG Researcher Addresses Artefact Developments
- ↑ GalNet: Trouble in Varati
- ↑ GalNet: Market Value of Unknown Artefacts Increases
- ↑ GalNet: More Malfunction Reports
- ↑ GalNet: Services Suspended at Gaiman Dock and Weyn Dock
- ↑ GalNet: CIRG Sends Scientists to Bond Hub
- ↑ GalNet: The Canonn Calls for Halt to Artefact Sales
- ↑ GalNet: Services Suspended at Gabriel Enterprise
- ↑ GalNet: Personnel at Obsidian Orbital Confirm Starport Still Operational
- ↑ GalNet: The Canonn Searching for Barnacles in the Pleiades
- ↑ GalNet: Obsidian Orbital Continuing to Deteriorate
- ↑ GalNet: Alien 'Barnacles' Discovered in the Pleiades
- ↑ GalNet: Good News from Obsidian Orbital
- ↑ GalNet: More Starports Fall Victim to Technological Plague
- ↑ GalNet: Community Goal: Professor Ishmael Palin Issues Request for Meta-Alloys
- ↑ GalNet: Galactic News: Malfunctioning Starports Restored with Meta-Alloys
- ↑ GalNet: Galactic News: No Sign of Jaques Station
- ↑ GalNet: Freelance Report: The Jaques Rescue Mission
- ↑ GalNet: Galactic News: Prospects for Malfunctioning Starports Improving
- ↑ GalNet: Community Goal: Sirius Corp. to Address Unknown-Artefact Issue
- ↑ GalNet: Galactic News: Starport Status Update
- ↑ GalNet: Community Goal: Rogue Runners Appeal
- ↑ GalNet: Galactic Community Comes to Aid of Dove Enigma