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, have fertile soil, a tolerable gravity, a climate that is generally pleasant for humans.[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 of the term within the fictional universe is implied to be the Vulcan word Minshara.[1]
^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. ISBN9780743497237.
