6.0 Appendix Introduction
The appendix introduces a brief, alphabetically arranged guide to interesting star systems in and near Federation space, explaining its naming conventions, cross-references, facility ratings, and the Richter scale of cultural development.
The following pages provide a brief description of some of the more interesting star systems in and near Federation Space; emphasis is placed on the systems and planets visited during the voyages of the U. S. S. Enterprise. The systems are arranged alphabetically, according to their most common names (or those of the principal planets, if the system name is not widely used). Cross-references are given where other names are in current use, and to the previously used constellation nomenclature as well. In some instances, where no proper name has been given to a star system, the constellation designation or a survey number such as the United Federation Catalog (UFC) number is used to identify the system. If the reader is interested in more detailed information on any of the systems described below, the appropriate orientation manual (CM:7XXXXX series publications) should be obtained.
Whenever possible, humanoid cultures are rated on the Richter scale. This scale of cultural development runs from nomadic hunters (A-) to advanced technological civilizations (H+). It provides a quick idea of the social and technical development of a planet. For those interested, a more detailed description of the scale can be found in Comparative Planetary Anthropology by Dr. C. J. Richter (SM:000381).