On September 8, 1966, television viewers set out to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no man has gone before. It was our first trip aboard the Starship Enterprise.

40 years later, Star Trek is a classic, a series that NBC cancelled in its third season, yet around which a cult following sprang up. The series went into reruns, and became more popular than it was during its brief run in prime time. It spawned 5 additional Star Trek series, and 10 movies, six of which featured the original stars.

Now some of the original props are up for auction. Christies in New York will auction off some 4,000 items from the original series. The items include models of the Starship Enterprise as well as costumes and communicators. You can even buy the bridge of the Enterprise - estimated selling price is about $20,000.

I was thinking of buying one of these little items, but then, we all know the trouble with tribbles.