Hydrogen-carbon helix

Hydrogen-carbon helix structures were a complex molecular configuration of the elements carbon and hydrogen.

Geordi La Forge found the atmosphere of the planet Theta VIII had a layer of hydrogen-carbon helix structures that blocked communications, sensor and transporter activity from the Federation starship USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D). It seemed likely these helix structures were the product of an alien intelligence, by the sophistication by which they allowed a perfect pocket of survivable atmosphere to form.