Station windows refers to the translucent panes on the exterior of stations that allow views of space and local celestials. These windows are constructed of a variety of durable materials and come in numerous shapes and sizes. As these windows directly touch the vacuum of space, they can be extremely cold if they are not near enough to and do not face the local star.
Construction
Most station windows are thick, double-paned sheets of transparent nanoalloy. This alloy is incredibly strong and resistant to breakage and rarely needs reinforcement. Between the two panes is typically an insulating, colorless gas such as argon to help minimize heat transfer between the vacuum and the station interior.
Temperature Control
Even with such measures, windows can grow quite cold if the station is far from the sun or it is facing away from it. In most cases the windows are simply allowed to remain cold. Some stations, particularly in quarters or areas designed for the wealthy, install microfilament heating elements in the windows. While this is extremely energy inefficient, the extra comfort given is a considered a mild luxury.
On stations near hot stars, windows are usually not installed to face the sun. This is primarily for comfort, as the light of the star can quickly make the area around the window uncomfortably hot. On the rare occasions when such windows are installed (typically in luxury suites), they are usually tinted to reduce this effect, and costly cooling systems are installed to keep the air from overheating.
Environmental Effects
For stations that are near dust and gas clouds, planetary rings, or other sources of fine debris, the windows can be crisscrossed with wiring that produces a mild negative charge, repelling the dust and keeping the windows clean. If such measures are not installed, the windows can quickly become opaque and require constant cleaning.
Combat Precautions
In the event of an attack, windows constitute major weak points. This danger can be mitigated somewhat by the installation of ballistic filters and particle screens. These are expensive and are typically aesthetically displeasing, so they are typically only permanently installed in nullsec outposts, control towers, and other structures at constant threat of assault.