Ion

An ion is an atom that has gained or lost one or more electrons, and has thereby acquired a net electric charge.

Baristatic filters cause negatively-charged ion pollution.

Ion distribution must be checked when analyzing subspace infrared telemetry.

Uses and Occurances

Ionosphere

One of the highest zones of a planet's atmosphere, named because gas molecules are ionized by solar radiation.
For more information, please read NASA's article on Earth's ionosphere.

Ionizing Radiation

Also known as "hard radiation." It can be both natural or artificially generated.
A form of radiation which carries sufficient energy to ionize an atom or molecule.
Background radiation was determined by measuring the amount of ionizing radiation in a particular region.
Ionizing radiation also has the ability to interfere with a starship's sensors.

Ion Storm

Type of magnetic storm, which can travel at thousands of kilometers per hour.
Ion disturbances, both on planets and in space, can intensify to the point where navigation is dangerous, and transporter use is all but impossible.
At higher levels, ion storms can damage or destroy spacecraft.

Ion Propulsion

Highly-advanced form of interstellar propulsion.
It uses advanced ion power and leaves behind an ion trail. It was hypothesized by the Federation before 2268, but was beyond their capability.

Ionic Pulse

An energy discharge that could be produced by Galaxy-class starships.
In 2371, the USS Enterprise used an ionic pulse against a Klingon ship, in order to activate their cloaking device.
This lowered their shields and allowed the ship to become open to counterattacks.

Polaric Ion

Particles that could be used as a weapon or as a power source.
They were extremely unstable, and could produce temporal effects.

Polaric Ion Energy

Highly volatile form of energy based on polaric ion particles.
Though polaric ions were capable of generating power on a large scale, polaric ion devices were prone to subspace chain reactions.
These reactions had the potential of devastating an entire planet, vaporizing all life within a matter of seconds.
Polaric ion explosions left behind high levels of polaric radiation, as well as subspace fractures persisting for hours after the event.