View source for Gravity well (physics)

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Wikipedia}}
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'' - ''Gravity well'']]</ref>

Large objects can generate gravitational fields that extend far into space. Consequently, human [[slipstream space|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.{{Ref/Novel|FS}}

==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. This maneuver is commonly known as "slingshot orbit", and 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.{{Ref/Anthology|Evo|Story=The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole}}

*During the [[Battle of Trove]], the gravity well of an artificial star within [[Trove|a small shield world]] was used to accelerate the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} to safety after creating a chain reaction and sending the star into its [[supernova]] state.{{Ref/Level|HW|[[HW:Escape|Escape]]}}
*During the [[skirmish over Threshold]], [[Cortana]] used the gravity well of [[Basis]] to slingshot [[John-117]]'s [[GA-TL1 Longsword|Longsword interceptor]] around it and simultaneously save survivors from [[Installation 04]].{{Ref/Novel|FS|Page=68 (2010 edition)}}
*The [[XF-063 IV-1|moon]] of [[Onyx]] was used by [[Catherine Halsey|Doctor Catherine Halsey]] aboard the ''[[Beatrice]]'' to approach Onyx and avoid the [[Joyous Exultation Covenant|Covenant]] vessels that were attempting to intercept the [[Chiroptera-class subprowler|stealth vessel]].{{Ref/Novel|GoO|Page=156}}

==Artificial gravity wells==
[[File:H4-Gravity well.png|thumb|250px|A Forerunner gravity well device on Requiem]]
The [[Forerunner]]s were able to develop [[Gravity well|technology]] capable of forming localized artificial gravity wells. Functioning akin to a [[wikipedia:Tractor beam|tractor beam]], the large devices are capable of pulling in and anchoring objects such as spacecraft.{{Ref/Level|H4|[[H4:Reclaimer|Reclaimer]]}}

[[Banished torture machine]]s utilized artificial micro gravity wells to inflict excruciating pain on prisoners.{{Ref/Quest|Id=House of Reckoning|HINF|Reckoning (Halo Infinite)|House of Reckoning}}

==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[The Impossible Life and the Possible Death of Preston J. Cole]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: Edge of Dawn]]''

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}

[[Category:Physics]]