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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!akgua!sdcsvax!sdcrdcf!hplabs!oliveb!jerry
From: jerry@oliveb.UUCP (Jerry Aguirre)
Newsgroups: net.startrek
Subject: Re: Front viewing screen
Message-ID: <177@oliveb.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 25-Sep-84 22:51:30 EDT
Article-I.D.: oliveb.177
Posted: Tue Sep 25 22:51:30 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 29-Sep-84 09:28:12 EDT
References: <1742@pegasus.UUCP> <975@ut-ngp.UUCP>
Organization: Olivetti ATC, Cupertino, Ca
Lines: 24

Yes it is a camera/screen.  They show rear views and charts on it as
well as video transmissions and recorded messages.  On several shows
they even intercept television transmissons and show them.

I got the impression that as well as a viewing screen the enterprise had
a transparent dome over the bridge.  In the zoom in shots to the bridge
I can see a transparent dome.  This is very apparent in the show where
Spock steals the Enterprise in order to transport his former captain to
a forbiden planet.  So Kirk could be looking into a dome/windows in the
ceiling while they are looking out of a camera/screen.

Before anybody flames;  I also think it would be stupid to have open
windows.  A bright flash might burn out a camera but could blind or kill
thru a window.  The dome has got to be weaker than a hull.  And finally
what possible use could it be.  Does the navigator reach under his seat,
pull out a sextant, and double check the computer?

On the other hand, we already know about useless windows in existing
spacecraft(Re: The Right Stuff).  Politicts make strange spacecraft
designs.  I will check my specs for cruser class starships, that dome
could be the upper phaser turrent.

					    Jerry Aguirre
{hplabs|fortune|idi|ihnp4|ios|tolerant|allegra|tymix}!oliveb!jerry