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'''Time''' is the fourth [[dimension]] of observable reality that serves as a nonspatial continuum in which events occur in seemingly irreversible transition of the current state to the next as governed by the laws of the local [[universe]].
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'''Time''' is the observation of the seemingly irreversible transition of the current state to the next as governed by the laws of the local [[universe]].
   
 
[[Physics|Physicists]] often describe the universe as having three spatial axes: x, y, and z (though the names often differ according to local customs). Time is often regarded as the fourth dimension; however, for the most part, time progresses on its own in one direction.
 
[[Physics|Physicists]] often describe the universe as having three spatial axes: x, y, and z (though the names often differ according to local customs). Time is often regarded as the fourth dimension; however, for the most part, time progresses on its own in one direction.
   
An important consequence of the perception of time as another dimension is that traveling backwards in time is possible. Just as one can change direction in [[space]] (say, go left instead of right) one is able to traverse time in a similar manner.
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An important consequence of the perception of time as another dimension is that traveling backwards in time is possible. Just as one can change direction in [[space]] (say, go left instead of right) one is able to traverse time in a similar manner.
   
 
At this time, the [[Federation]] has very limited experience in the controlled traversal of time. Most of the time travel was either accidental or caused by the intervention of a [[technology|technologically]] superior [[Races and cultures|race]]. Current [[Federation]] doctrine, namely the [[Temporal Prime Directive]], prohibits using time travel to alter the past.
 
At this time, the [[Federation]] has very limited experience in the controlled traversal of time. Most of the time travel was either accidental or caused by the intervention of a [[technology|technologically]] superior [[Races and cultures|race]]. Current [[Federation]] doctrine, namely the [[Temporal Prime Directive]], prohibits using time travel to alter the past.

Revision as of 15:31, 3 January 2007

Time is the observation of the seemingly irreversible transition of the current state to the next as governed by the laws of the local universe.

Physicists often describe the universe as having three spatial axes: x, y, and z (though the names often differ according to local customs). Time is often regarded as the fourth dimension; however, for the most part, time progresses on its own in one direction.

An important consequence of the perception of time as another dimension is that traveling backwards in time is possible. Just as one can change direction in space (say, go left instead of right) one is able to traverse time in a similar manner.

At this time, the Federation has very limited experience in the controlled traversal of time. Most of the time travel was either accidental or caused by the intervention of a technologically superior race. Current Federation doctrine, namely the Temporal Prime Directive, prohibits using time travel to alter the past.

While Star Trek has portrayed that time could be made to flow backwards due to certain phenomenon such as distortion fields (as in TNG: "Timescape"), current knowledge of physics does not allow for that interpretation of time.

See also

Science and mechanics

Legality

Technologies

People

External Links