Only one young planet, aged 100 million years, was previously known but the newly-discovered planet is about three times younger. University of Hertfordshire astronomer Dr Maria-Cruz Galvez-Ortiz, who was among the international team which identified the planet, described it as ‘an exciting discovery’. Young stars are usually excluded from planet searches because they have intense magnetic fields that generate a range of phenomena known collectively as stellar activity, including flares and spots. This can make it difficult to disentangle the signals of planets and activity.

Scientists have created a Star Trek style phaser that can be used to both stun and revive creatures. However so far the weapon, which uses a special form of light, has only been used on tiny worms, not menacing Klingons. Canadian researchers fed pinhead-sized worms with a solution containing the molecule dithienylethene. This changed the molecular structure and colour of the worms when they were exposed to different light wavelengths. When the scientists shone an ultraviolet light on the transparent creatures they turned blue and couldn’t move. A beam of normal light then revived most of the worms although a few did not survive the process.

It is reminiscent of the fictional phaser used in the TV series Star Trek that could stun or kill adversaries using a beam of light. At present doctors use light-sensitive materials and photo-reactions in medicine to treat certain forms of cancer and the study authors hope their research can contribute.

This experience will be totally hands-on and interactive; fans will be able to see the sets, props and models and experience rides and simulators. And here is the biggie – you will even get a chance to sit in Captain Kirks own chair. Now what a photo op that would make!. If you have ever wondered what life on board the Enterprise is like now will be your chance to be a crew member for a day, or as many times as you like depending on how keen you are.

Trekkie’s are known for their strong loyalty and I think this is a fantastic way for the makers of this show to reward fans loyalty over the years. If you have a Trekkie in your family I reckon a ticket to this event would make a wonderful Xmas present.