Methane

Methane (CH₄) is an odorless simple hydrocarbon. At human room temperature it is less dense than air.

It exists on many planets, such as Earth, Titan, and many others. The atmosphere of a Class K planet (such as Theta 116 VIII) consists of methane, nitrogen and liquid neon. (TNG: "The Royale")

The Axanar breathe a nitrogen-methane atmosphere. (ENT: "Fight or Flight")

In 2151, Klaang, a Klingon courier, was responsible for the destruction of a grain silo on Earth which belonged to a human farmer named Moore. The silo contained methane, which was released when the building exploded, killing two Suliban agents who were pursuing him. (ENT: "Broken Bow")

In 2364, an accidental explosion from a methane-like gas occurred on the Sigma III colony Quadra Sigma III. (TNG: "Hide and Q")

Methane is toxic to most humanoids and is a byproduct of some forms of industry and technology. Much higher concentrations of methane, along with carbon monoxide and fluorine, were detected in the atmosphere of Earth in an alternate timeline in which the Borg assimilated the planet in 2373. (Star Trek: First Contact)

External Links

• Methane at Wikipedia