Class Q Planet

A planet with an identity crisis, Class Q worlds are referred to by Star Charts as “variable.” These are planets that are generally unstable. They may be located in a star system’s hot zone, ecosphere, or cold zone and have surface conditions that can range from extremely hot to extremely cold, even on the same planet. Class Q planets may be found in eccentric orbits creating climactic swings that subject the surface to molten lava or frigid ice. The atmosphere of the planets may also vary wildly from very thin to very thick.

Examples of Class Q Planets

Genesis

Class R Planet

Here today, gone tomorrow. That’s your average Class R planet. Think ‘R’ as in ‘rogue,’ which is the label given to these worlds by Star Charts. Class R worlds vary in size from around that of Mercury up to a bit larger than Earth and do not orbit stars. You’ll find Class R planets in interstellar space or in cometary halos. The surface environment of Class R worlds may be suitable for life as it is warmed by geothermal venting, which also provides the gases that make up the atmosphere. These rogue planets may be home to non-photosynthetic plant life and animal life.

Examples of Class R Planets

Dakala

The planet Dakala was visited by the Enterprise NX-01 in the aptly named episode “Rogue Planet.”

Class S Planet

So the Big Gulp just isn’t enough for you is it? You prefer the Super Big Gulp? Well then, Class S is the planet for you. Picking up where the Class I supergiant leaves off, Class S “ultragiants” start off at 10 million km in diameter and go up to 50 million km. These planets are located in a star system’s cold zone and, like Class I and J have an atmosphere comprised mostly of hydrogen. Class S ultragiants radiate significant amounts of heat. It is unknown if any lifeforms can exist in the atmosphere of a Class S world.

Examples of Class S Planets

No examples of Class S planets have been shown onscreen.

Class T Planet

Class S’s big brother, Class T worlds are absolutely enormous. These are ultragiants on steroids starting out at 50 million km and growing as large as 120 million km in diameter. They otherwise share the characteristics of Class S, are located in a star system’s cold zone, have atmosphere comprised mostly of hydrogen, and radiate significant amounts of heat.

Examples of Class T Planets

No examples of Class T planets have been shown onscreen.