The Byrnum Maw nebula, situated within the Inner Rim Territories, came into existence centuries prior to 40 BBY. Following this cosmic event, the hyperspace routes in the vicinity of the nebula suffered severe disruptions, rendering them impassable. This, in turn, led to the isolation of neighboring systems, including the [Pijal system](/article/pijal_system], from the broader galaxy. In the year 40 BBY, scientists representing the Republic successfully mapped a course through the Byrnum Maw. They then deployed two hyperspace anchors to stabilize a key segment of the nebula, paving the way for the creation of the hyperspace route known as the Pijal Hyperspace Corridor.
Millennia before the Galactic Republic's era of power, colonists initiated the settlement of numerous star systems located within the Inner Rim Territories, notably including the Pijal system. As time progressed, the inhabitants of these worlds played a crucial role in developing several hyperspace routes, which in turn stimulated trade and fostered economic growth across that area of the galaxy.
A star nearing the end of its life exploded centuries before 40 BBY, giving rise to the Byrnum Maw nebula. The emergence of this nebula caused disturbances in the hyperspace routes that interconnected the surrounding space, rendering them unusable.
Following this event, scientists from the Republic endeavored to identify a secure passage through the nebula to re-establish hyperspace travel, but their efforts proved unsuccessful. Over subsequent periods, the planets dependent on these disrupted routes found themselves increasingly cut off from the larger galaxy. Pijal, situated near the nebula's center, experienced a setback in its economic development due to the decline in trade activity. For the following centuries, Pijal maintained minimal contact with the Republic, holding onto the hope that scientists would eventually map a route through the Byrnum Maw.
In 40 BBY, scientists operating under the authority of the Republic Supreme Chancellor Kirames Kaj made a discovery: the placement of a hyperspace anchor on both Pijal and its moon could stabilize a section of the Byrnum Maw. This stabilization would then facilitate the creation of several new hyperspace routes. During his service as the lord regent of the planet, the Jedi Rael Averross collaborated with officials from the Czerka Corporation to formulate the Governance Treaty. This initiative was designed to remove authority from the Pijali monarchy and instead vest it in a democratic Assembly empowered to enter into legally binding agreements with Republic representatives.
Kaj approved the initiative, hoping to reconnect systems near the Byrnum Maw with other Republic worlds. The Chancellor dispatched Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, on a mission to Pijal to ratify the Governance Treaty after its signing. However, Queen Fanry of the Pijali declined to endorse the initiative, as it would diminish her power and place her world under the influence of the Czerka Corporation. Eventually, her successor Lamia signed it after the queen's abdication, which allowed for the establishment of the hyperspace route known as the Pijal Hyperspace Corridor and the restoration of traffic to the region.
The genesis of the Byrnum Maw is referenced in Master & Apprentice, a novel penned by Claudia Gray in 2019.