An exhibition exploring the science behind Star Trek has opened at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff.

Trekkies will be given the chance to dock the USS Enterprise and even deflect asteroids during the display's five-month stay at the museum.

The exhibition will last five months

The display recreates the bridge, the transporter room, and the sick bay from the Next Generation series.

Visitors who cross the museum's frontier can also examine costumes and props from the franchise, as well as watch videos and try out interactive computers.

A dedicated team of experts will also be on hand to answer any questions, and explain how the gadgets on the show work - or why they do not.

Richard Manchip, one of the Federal Science Explainers, said all of the guides were given three days of specific training for the show.

"We were asked in the interview to show an interest in science fiction, but not necessarily science," he said.

Nasa advice

Mr Manchip added the show's creator, Gene Roddenberry, would be delighted to know his brainchild was helping educate people.

"He got advice from Nasa, and it was an important part of his vision to make the show as realistic as possible.

Leonard Nimoy played Spock in the original series

"He would be happy to find out that people are learning science through Star Trek."

Mr Manchip said visitors on the first day had came from all parts of the community.

"We have had schoolchildren, definite fans who have come on their lunch break and grandparents with their grandchildren."

"We are also hoping for quite a strong student audience as well," he added.

Mr Manchip said the reason for the show's success was the fact it personified the world's fascination with space.

The Star Trek: Federation Science exhibition has been produced by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, in collaboration with Paramount Pictures.