NOVA bombing of Joyous Exultation

Previous:	Battle of Mombasa
Concurrent:	Battle for Earth, Battle of Installation 05
Next:	Battle of Mare Erythraeum
NOVA bombing of Joyous Exultation
Conflict:	Human-Covenant War Great Schism
Date:	October 31-November 3, 2552
Location:	Joyous Exultation, Zeta Doradus system
Outcome:	Forerunner constructs victory Some UNSC forces escape Onyx disintegrates into trillions of Sentinels All Covenant forces destroyed Sarcophagus shield world sealed with some survivors inside
showDetails Belligerents UNSC Covenant separatists Joyous Exultation Covenant Commanders Vice Admiral Danforth Whitcomb† Imperial Admiral Xytan 'Jar Wattinree† Strength NOVA bomb Combined Fleet of Righteous Purpose Casualties None Over three-fifths of the Combined Fleet of Righteous Purpose Imperial Admiral Xytan 'Jar Wattinree

"This is the prototype NOVA bomb, nine fusion warheads encased in lithium triteride armor. When detonated, it compresses its fissionable material to neutron-star density, boosting the thermonuclear yield a hundredfold. I am Vice Admiral Danforth Whitcomb, temporarily in command of the UNSC military base Reach. To the Covenant uglies that might be listening, you have a few seconds to pray to your damned heathen gods. You all have a nice day in hell..."

— Vice Admiral Danforth Whitcomb's recording on the NOVA bomb, right before it is activated in the space adjacent to the planet Joyous Exultation.

The NOVA bombing of Joyous Exultation was the devastation of the planet Joyous Exultation by the UNSC NOVA bomb after it was inadvertently activated by members of the Joyous Exultation Covenant.

Prelude

It was intended for the NOVA bomb to be used in space against the Covenant fleet during the Fall of Reach. The remaining NOVA bombs were left on Reach and "re-purposed" by Vice Admiral Danforth Whitcomb. His reasoning was that "either the Covenant pack those bombs up and take them home for study, a possibility that I hope to God happens. A bomb like that could crack their homeworld in two. Or, the bombs stay here and they'll stop the Covenant on Reach..."

Bombing

This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Aftermath

This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

List of appearances

• Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (First appearance)
• Halo: Empty Throne (Mentioned only)