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Ultraviolet radiation (or UV) is electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength is shorter than the visual spectrum but longer than X-rays. Most stars emit some amount of ultraviolet radiation and it is generally very harmful to organic life. Consequently, many planets that have evolved organic life often have an ozone layer in the upper atmosphere that absorbs ultraviolet radiation and protects the organisms on the surface. Damage to the ozone layer can result in increased surface levels of ultraviolet radiation, threatening established and developing life.

Stellar nurseries often give off intense ultraviolet light. (ENT: "Cold Front")

Earth's ozone layer was severly damaged by the 21st century and ultraviolet radiation on that planet increased to hazardous levels. (VOY: "Future's End")

Similarly, the Aldeans suffered from planet-wide sterility as a result of ultraviolet radiation from their sun. (TNG: "When The Bough Breaks")

The shy Tarchanne, invisible in and easily frightened by regular light, absorbed ultraviolet light and could so be made visible. Data modified a emergency beacon to operate on UV and so was able to locate Geordi La Forge who was slowly being transformed into one of the beings on the surface of Tarchannen III. (TNG: "Identity Crisis")

In 2373, the USS Enterprise-E's sensor sweep of the Romulan Neutral Zone revealed fifty-two ultraviolet radiation spikes. (Star Trek: First Contact)

Background information[]

Spock footage in ultraviolet

Depicting body temperature variance, or lack thereof

In "Project Daedalus", Saru refers to a heat signature filter as being "in ultraviolet," though he actually brings up an infrared filter, as ultraviolet light does not convey temperature.

External link[]

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