Slipstream space: Difference between revisions

Slipspace is a tangle of intertwined spatial dimensions, comparably similar to a wadded up piece of paper, which lie underneath the three conventional spatial dimensions of the universe. Due to the inherently different laws of physics in the slipstream, times, masses, positions or velocities are impossible to accurately measure based on the standards of normal space.<ref name="tfor136"/>

Slipspace can be thought of as the detectable universe, (which, technically, it is), but with a greater number of dimensions. Our plane of existence is thought to have four dimensions (up-down, front-back, side-to-side and time), but slipspace is an eleven-dimensional spacetime.<ref name="eleven"/> By [[2552]], slipspace is theorized as a "tangle" of our plane's dimensions, rather like taking the classic "flat sheet" used to represent gravity and crumpling it up into a ball, thereby creating extra dimensions and shorter spaces between points. The slipstream also possesses different laws of physics than our "normal" universe, although some basic ones, such as energy transfer and momentum, remain the same.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 55''</ref>

Slipspace is not completely empty; clouds of primordial atomic [[hydrogen]] are relatively frequent. Occasionally, even comets are known to somehow find their way into slipspace.<ref name="tfor136"/> Objects such as [[fleet]]s often group together in mass slipspace transit and may appear to sensors as a large, singular object.<ref name="tfor137">'''Halo: the Fall of Reach''', ''page 137''</ref> An object in slipspace can pass through a mass, such as a planet, without causing a collision in normal space; such an event may often go completely unnoticed.<ref name="tfor137"/> However, there may be risks involved if a ship is still early in slipspace transit and passes through a large object, such as another ship.<ref>'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 99''</ref>

[[File:1771441-gallery.png|thumb|A [[Covenant assault carrier]] jumps through a Slipspace vortex.]]

[[File:POA SSexit.png|thumb|250px|The [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn]] exiting slipspace near [[Installation 04]].]]

The [[Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine]] generates a resonance field, which when coupled with the unusual physics of the slipstream, allows for dramatically shorter transit times between stars. UNSC slipspace drives use particle accelerators to rip apart normal space-time by generating micro black holes. These holes are evaporated via [[Hawking radiation]] in nanoseconds. The real quantum mechanical "magic" of the drive lies in how it manipulates these holes in space-time, squeezing vessels weighing thousands of tons into slipspace.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 53''</ref> It must be noted that the Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine itself provides no motive power, and ships equipped with such a device still require conventional engines in order to move.

The Covenant have a very finely tuned version of slipspace technology, far superior to the human Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine. Instead of simply tearing a hole into slipspace, Covenant slipspace drives cut a very fine hole in the fabric of space-time and slips into slipspace with precision, much like a scalpel compared to a butcher knife. It exits with the same pinpoint accuracy, takes less time during travel, and is able to plot a course with error not exceeding an atom. This is why in battle Covenant ships are able to slip by human defenses by using slipspace.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 86''</ref> Standard Covenant tactics include using short slipstream jumps to gain positional advantage and surprise other ships, in addition to avoiding incoming ordnance. The Covenant's superiority in drive technology, combined with differing weapon technology, allows a small number of Covenant ships to effectively engage a much larger UNSC force. Missiles, especially, can be defeated by a brief slipstream jump, as they cannot track through slipstream space.