Gravity well (physics): Difference between revisions
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
Halopediaman (talk | contribs) |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Ratings}} | {{Ratings}} | ||
{{era| | {{era|HCW|RW}} | ||
{{SeeWikipedia|Gravity Well}} | {{SeeWikipedia|Gravity Well}} | ||
In physics, a '''gravity well''' is the [[wikipedia:gravitational potential|gravitational potential]] field around a massive body (a particular kind of [[Wikipedia:potential well|potential well]]). Physical models of gravity wells are sometimes used to illustrate [[wikipedia:orbital mechanics|orbital mechanics]]. Gravity wells are frequently confused with [[Wikipedia:general relativity|general relativistic]] [[Wikipedia:embedded diagram|embedding diagrams]], but the two concepts are unrelated.<ref>'''[[Wikipedia:Gravity Well|Wikipedia]]'''</ref> | In physics, a '''gravity well''' is the [[wikipedia:gravitational potential|gravitational potential]] field around a massive body (a particular kind of [[Wikipedia:potential well|potential well]]). Physical models of gravity wells are sometimes used to illustrate [[wikipedia:orbital mechanics|orbital mechanics]]. Gravity wells are frequently confused with [[Wikipedia:general relativity|general relativistic]] [[Wikipedia:embedded diagram|embedding diagrams]], but the two concepts are unrelated.<ref>'''[[Wikipedia:Gravity Well|Wikipedia]]'''</ref> | ||
| Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
*In ''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', [[Cortana]] used the gravity well of [[Basis]] to slingshot the [[Master Chief]]'s [[C709 Longsword-class Interceptor|Longsword interceptor]] around it and simultaneously save survivors from [[Installation 04]]. | *In ''[[Halo: First Strike]]'', [[Cortana]] used the gravity well of [[Basis]] to slingshot the [[Master Chief]]'s [[C709 Longsword-class Interceptor|Longsword interceptor]] around it and simultaneously save survivors from [[Installation 04]]. | ||
==List of Appearances== | |||
*''[[Halo Wars]]'' | |||
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]'' | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category:Physics]] | [[Category:Physics]] | ||
Revision as of 17:28, September 5, 2010
Template:SeeWikipedia In physics, a gravity well is the gravitational potential field around a massive body (a particular kind of potential well). Physical models of gravity wells are sometimes used to illustrate orbital mechanics. Gravity wells are frequently confused with general relativistic embedding diagrams, but the two concepts are unrelated.[1]
Large objects can generate gravitational fields that extend far into space. Consequently, human slipspace navigation is hindered by the effect these gravity wells have upon the quantum field of the Slipstream, and ships must make their calculations away from such factors. With an increased resolution of the Slipstream, such as that possessed by Forerunner and, consequently, Covenant slipspace matrices, calculations can be made to compensate for this effect.[2]
Gravitational slingshot
Gravitational slingshot refers to use of the relative movement and gravity of a celestial body to alter the path and speed of a spacecraft. In the Halo universe, this maneuver is commonly known as "Slingshot orbit". It has been used in numerous occasions. Preston Cole was known to be adept in using a planet's gravity well to his advantage in space combat.[3]
- In Halo Wars, the gravity well of an artificial star within a small Shield World was used to accelerate the UNSC Spirit of Fire to safety after creating a chain reaction and sending the star into its supernova state.[4]
- In Halo: First Strike, Cortana used the gravity well of Basis to slingshot the Master Chief's Longsword interceptor around it and simultaneously save survivors from Installation 04.
