As for the second photo above: I’ve never been a Star Trek fan at all, and I have to admit I don’t really understand what grown men see in it. However as a teenager I did see the first series when it was originally broadcast in the UK (what’s that – 35+ years ago?). I was highly taken aback that I recognised the second photo immediately. It really made me wonder to what extent my brain has become a receptacle for gigantic quantities of useless information over the decades.

Jeff: TNV sounds neat. Maybe I’ll take a look, for old times’ sake.

@Tod: the tube and the angled aperture is to shield the mirror and internal structure from stray light. The part of the aperture that sticks forward a little will be oriented to be on the same side of the spacecraft as the sun, as a shield. Since the designers want to save weight, they cut off the other three sides of the aperture. My little telescope on Earth has a flat front end so I won’t think I’ve been cheated out of some telescope tube–and because I don’t have to pay a bajillion dollars a kilogram to lift it into orbit.

@Cindy: YOU should buy and read Sagan’s book, “The Demon-Haunted World: science as a candle in the darkness.” It is by far the best primer on skeptical thought, ever. Then, if you think your nephew can handle it, give it to him. (Assuming his parents will let it into the house, that is. They do retain the right to be his parents.) Otherwise, you can just use what you learn from it when you get your chance to exercise your privilege to be his aunt.

@All you trekkers: if you liked “The Doomsday Machine” you should really surf over to “Star Trek: The New Voyages” and check out their episode, “In Harm’s Way.” The doomsday machines are back, and badder than ever.

[In case you haven't heard, there are groups on the net that that are making new Star Trek episodes. They are highly variable in setting, length, and quality, but the folks over at ST:TNV are producing near-professional, hour-length episodes set in the original series era. Lots of original cast and crew have donated their talents to the episodes, and there are professional CGI schools that do all the CG work, free, as student projects. These episodes are so good that Paramount has granted the producers a limited license to use the Star Trek characters and properties--as long as there is NO commercial gain from the projects. Now, THAT's an endorsement!]

Thank you for posting this and saving me the trouble!

This episode is also the closest Kirk ever came to saying “Beam me up, Scotty.” I believe his line was, “Scotty, beam me aboard” as the detonation clock was ticking.

- Jack

PS – Decker’s ship was the “Constellation” (it’s namesake can still be found floating in Baltimore harbor), and Decker was played by William Windom. He also played James Thurber in the vastly underrated comedy “My World, and Welcome to It!” That sort of ruined for me any credibility he might have had as a starship captain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY22gBF_DgI