Quote - There's actually a Outer Limits episode titled Wolf 359.. could be that star trek also used it as an omage to it as well, since outer limits seemed to feature almost all the original trek stars.

http://www.tv.com/the-outer-limits-1963/wolf-359/episode/21569/summary.html?tag=ep_list;ep_title;7

Ok I have to turn in my Sci-Fi badge then! I didn't know that one and it predates Star Trek:TNG. My only excuse is I was only 1 year old in 1964 when it aired and I musta missed it in reruns.