Continuity mistake: On Memory Alpha, the viewer beside the dead man in the purple jumpsuit keeps moving from his left side to his right and back again between shots. (00:09:10 - 00:10:10)
Other mistake: Scotty has a science patch on instead of the engineering patch in this episode.
Continuity mistake: As Mira is speaking with the alien's voice, Spock is behind a console that has a piece of equipment attached to it. From behind Spock, the piece is to his left, but the close ups of Spock show him close to and directly in front of it.
Chosen answer: If they're in orbit, they're being pulled along by the planet's gravity well, therefore, impulse engines would only be used for minor corrections and would be "on standby" while in orbit, but not active. (Like keeping your car idling without revving the engine and creating plumes of exhaust).
Captain Defenestrator
Thank you for the info.
Movie Nut