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Warp Factor Calculator

for the Star Trek universe

by Stephen R. Schmitt

Select version:
Classic Star Trek
The Next Generation

Please enter Warp factor:

Now enter light years to your destination:




Velocity:
x C (Speed of Light)

Then, from Earth it takes:   Years   Days
to reach Alpha Centauri (4.3 Light Years)

to traverse Milky Way galaxy (100,000 Light Years)

to reach the Andromeda galaxy (2,000,000 Light Years)

to reach your destination


Contents

  1. About
  2. The source code
  3. Discussion

About

Warp Factor Calculator is a Java Script calculator that computes speed as a function of "warp factor" in multiples of the speed of light.

The program is operated by selecting the series version using the radio buttons, entering a "warp factor" number that is greater than 0, and then pressing the Calculate button. All entries are cleared by pressing the Clear button. If the "warp factor" is too large, the output windows will display:

NaN -- Not a Number

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The source code

The Java Script source code for this program can be viewed by using the View|Source command of your web browser.

You may use or modify this source code in any way you find useful, provided that you agree that the author has no warranty, obligations or liability. You must determine the suitablility of this source code for your use.

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Discussion

The Star Trek universe neglects relativistic effects. Time has the same rate for both fixed and moving objects.

For the original Classic Star Trek series, the warp equation is generally accepted to be:

    V = C * W3
in which,
    C -- the speed of light ~3 x 108 meters per second.
    W -- the warp factor
    V -- velocity through space
For Star Trek: The Next Generation, the generally accepted warp scale has changed. Warp 10 is infinite speed that cannot be reached. Here the following is used for the warp equation:
    V = C * W3.3333 + f(W)
in which,
    f(W) = -0.5 log10(10 - W), if 9.0 < W <= 10.0
    f(W) =  0, otherwise
Not everyone will agree on this definition. However, it has the advantages of being both simple and elegent.

See Also

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Copyright © 2004, Stephen R. Schmitt