Class M planet

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In the Star Trek universe, a Class M planet is one habitable by humans and similar life forms. Earth, Vulcan, Romulus, and Qo'noS are examples of Class M planets.[1] The planet needs an atmosphere of oxygen and nitrogen, should be close to a stable star, and have fertile soil and a generally pleasant climate.[2] Most planets shown in the franchise are Class M planets; occasionally another alphabetically named class of planet is shown, each hostile to humanoid life in one or more ways. As a story device, this allowed for easy filming without restriction by environmental suits,[3] but Science correspondent Gretchen Vogel called it a "failure of imagination" when thinking about the limits of the zone capable of supporting life.[2] The origin within the fictional universe is implied to be the Vulcan word Minshara.[1]

See also[]

  • Earth in science fiction

References[]

  1. ^ a b Fazekas, Andrew (July 22, 2016). "How to See 'Star Trek' Worlds in the Night Sky". National Geographic. National Geographic Society. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Vogel, Gretchen (1999). "Expanding the Habitable Zone". Science. 286 (5437): 70–71. doi:10.1126/science.286.5437.70. PMID 10532892. S2CID 34476735. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  3. ^ Erdman, Terry J.; Block, Paula M. (23 September 2008). Star Trek 101: A Practical Guide to Who, What, Where, and Why. Gallery Books. p. 21. ISBN 9780743497237.

External links[]


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