Beta Stromgren was a red giant star, located twenty-three parsecs beyond the Federation's farthest manned explorations, in Romulan-claimed space, which went supernova in 2366. In order to observe the star's collapse, the Federation dispatched the long-range Vega Nine probe. However, during its observations, the probe discovered a living spacecraft called Gomtuu, designated "Tin Man" by Starfleet, which was in close orbit of the star. Both the USS Enterprise-D and two Romulan warbirds were sent to investigate. It was learned that Gomtuu had arrived at the star to die.

Federation First Contact specialist Tam Elbrun, aboard the Enterprise, was able to make contact with Gomtuu shortly before the star exploded. Gomtuu was able to fling both the Enterprise and a Romulan ship clear of the nova, before it, with Tam Elbrun aboard, disappeared to parts unknown. (TNG: "Tin Man")