Dyson sphere: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:46, April 12, 2023

There is more information available on this subject at Dyson sphere on the English Wikipedia.

Diagram of a hypothetical Dyson sphere constructed in the Sol system.

A Dyson sphere is a megastructure or a series of structures meant to completely encompass a star for the purposes of solar power, or to serve as a massive habitat. The concept was originally described by the physicist Freeman Dyson as a system of orbiting solar power satellites meant to capture a star's entire energy output. Dyson speculated that such structures would be the logical consequence of the long-term survival of technological civilizations, and proposed that searching for evidence of the existence of such structures might lead to the detection of advanced intelligent extraterrestrial life. A three meter thick Dyson sphere with an Earth orbit radius would require an estimated 2.12057325 x 10²³ cubic meters of material.

The Forerunners, being a Tier-1 civilization, were capable of building such constructs in various sizes and types, from full scale to miniaturized, planet-sized structures. The most commonly seen type of Forerunner Dyson construct is based on a variant of the concept known as a "Dyson shell"; a solid shell completely encompassing a star. They also constructed Dyson swarms, coordinated networks of orbiting constructs that form a sphere around a star, to close off entire systems.^[1]

Most notably, Dyson spheres were the basis for the shield worlds built by the Forerunners as safe havens from the Flood and the activation of the Halo Array. However, the Forerunners never made it to the safety of these installations due to the betrayal of the AI Mendicant Bias, whose defection to the Flood forced the Forerunners to abandon their plans.^[2] Basically, the structure fulfills its function as a "shield world" perfectly. It protects the occupants of it and gives them a huge "world" to live in. One such structure, The Sharpened Shield, was even moved into slipstream space where it would appear in a compressed form, far smaller than its actual size in the physical universe.^[3]

Known structures[edit]

Shield World 006[edit]

Main article: Trevelyan

At the core of the artificial world Onyx was a slipspace rift that shunted those that passed through it to a structured Dyson shell with an Earth-like, habitable inner surface. This construct was separated from a normal space-time symmetry by advanced Forerunner slipspace technology, making it only 23 centimeters in diameter in real space, despite being 300 million kilometers (or approximately two astronomical units [1 AU is 149,598,000 km]) in diameter on the inside. The Micro Dyson sphere was located in a factually compressed slipstream space. In other terms, any object inside might appear to be a certain size, but inside the Slipstream bubble it is much, much larger. This led Dr. Catherine Halsey to dub it as a "Micro Dyson sphere". The Dyson sphere's star has a spectra and energy output slightly smaller than the dimensions of Sol.^[3]

Shield World 0459[edit]

Main article: Etran Harborage

The Forerunners also constructed a number of Dyson shells vastly different from the Onyx installation; also a type of shield world, these constructs are known as conservation spheres.^[4] Unlike the Micro Dyson sphere within Onyx, the interior of this type of Shield World was a far smaller structure located in normal space, on the inner surface of an artificial planetary shell. Inside the shell was a network of ship-sized portals allowing access from an opening on the outside to the interior world.^[5]

The interior possessed an artificial sun, though it and the entire structure were on a far smaller scale; while the Dyson sphere within Onyx was millions of kilometers in diameter, the diameter of this structure was a mere few thousand kilometers. This shield world also functioned as a military installation, housing the Apex Site, an internal docking facility for dozens of Sojourner-class dreadnoughts.^[6]

Quarantine shield[edit]

Main article: Quarantine shield

The shield placed by the Forerunners around the San'Shyuum home system was a different iteration of the Dyson sphere concept, known as a "Dyson swarm". Instead of being a physical shell, the sphere was comprised of trillions of automatons known as vigilants, which constantly transitioned in and out of slipspace. Extending four hundred million kilometers from the system's star, any ships passing through the shield would require special access codes or be vaporized by the vigilants.^[1]

Gallery[edit]

View inside the miniature Dyson sphere of Trove
A holographic diagram of Trove

List of appearances[edit]

Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (First appearance)
Halo Wars
Halo: Cryptum
Halo: Glasslands
Halo: The Thursday War
Halo Fractures
- Lessons Learned
Halo: Retribution (Indirect mention)
Halo: Legacy of Onyx

Sources[edit]

^ ^a ^b Halo: Cryptum, page 144
^ Halo 3, Terminals
^ ^a ^b Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 381-382
^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 174
^ Halo Wars, campaign level Cleansing
^ Halo Wars, campaign level Escape

[cryptum144-1] Halo: Cryptum, page 144

[2] Halo 3, Terminals

[goo-3] Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 381-382

[4] Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 174

[5] Halo Wars, campaign level Cleansing

[6] Halo Wars, campaign level Escape

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Era|HCW|Forerunner}}
+{{Status|Canon}}
-{{Ratings}}
+{{Wikipedia}}
-{{SeeWikipedia|Dyson Sphere}}
+[[File:Dyson Sphere Diagram.svg.png|250px|thumb|Diagram of a hypothetical Dyson sphere constructed in the [[Sol system]].]]
-[[Image:Dyson Sphere Diagram.svg.png|200px||thumb|right|Diagram of a Dyson Sphere]]
-A '''Dyson Sphere/Shield World''', or "shell" (as it appeared in the original paper by Freeman Dyson), is a hypothetical megastructure that was originally described as a system of orbiting solar-powered satellites meant to completely encompass a star and capture its entire energy output. Dyson speculated that such structures would be the logical consequence of the long-term survival of technological civilizations, and proposed that searching for evidence of the existence of such structures might lead to the detection of advanced intelligent extraterrestrial life.
+A '''Dyson sphere''' is a [[Astroengineering|megastructure]] or a series of structures meant to completely encompass a star for the purposes of solar power, or to serve as a massive habitat. The concept was originally described by the physicist [[Wikipedia:Freeman Dyson|Freeman Dyson]] as a system of orbiting [[Wikipedia:Space-based solar power|solar power satellites]] meant to capture a star's entire energy output. Dyson speculated that such structures would be the logical consequence of the long-term survival of technological civilizations, and proposed that searching for evidence of the existence of such structures might lead to the detection of advanced intelligent extraterrestrial life. A three meter thick Dyson sphere with an [[Earth]] orbit radius would require an estimated 2.12057325 x 10<sup>23</sup> cubic meters of material.
-A three meter thick Dyson Sphere with an [[Earth]] orbit radius would require an estimated 2.12057325 x 10<sup>23</sup> cubic meters of material.
-Since then, other variant designs involving building an artificial structure — or a series of structures — to encompass a star have been proposed in exploratory engineering or described in science fiction under the name Dyson Sphere. Most fictional depictions of a Dyson Sphere describe a solid shell of matter enclosing a star, which is considered the least plausible variant of the idea.
+The [[Forerunner]]s, being a [[Technological Achievement Tiers|Tier-1]] civilization, were capable of building such constructs in various sizes and types, from full scale to miniaturized, planet-sized structures. The most commonly seen type of Forerunner Dyson construct is based on a variant of the concept known as a "[[Wikipedia:Dyson sphere#Dyson shell|Dyson shell]]"; a solid shell completely encompassing a star. They also constructed [[Wikipedia:Dyson sphere#Dyson swarm|Dyson swarms]], coordinated networks of orbiting constructs that form a sphere around a star, to close off entire systems.<ref name="cryptum144">'''Halo: Cryptum''', ''page 144''</ref>
-While it is believed that some of these design variants are impractical, if not physically impossible, some designs do not require any major breakthroughs in our basic scientific understanding for their construction.
+Most notably, Dyson spheres were the basis for the [[shield world]]s built by the Forerunners as safe havens from [[the Flood]] and the activation of the [[Halo Array]]. However, the Forerunners never made it to the safety of these installations due to the betrayal of the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Mendicant Bias]], whose defection to the Flood forced the Forerunners to abandon their plans.<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 3)|Terminal]]s''</ref> Basically, the structure fulfills its function as a "shield world" perfectly. It protects the occupants of it and gives them a huge "world" to live in. One such structure, [[ONI Research Facility Trevelyan|The Sharpened Shield]], was even moved into [[slipstream space]] where it would appear in a compressed form, far smaller than its actual size in the physical universe.<ref name="goo">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 381-382''</ref>
-==In Halo==
+==Known structures==
-===Halo: Ghosts of Onyx===
+===Shield World 006===
-{{Main|Halo: Ghosts of Onyx|Onyx}}
+{{Main|Trevelyan}}
+At the core of the artificial world [[Onyx]] was a [[slipstream space|slipspace]] rift that shunted those that passed through it to a [[Trevelyan|structured Dyson shell]] with an [[Earth]]-like, habitable inner surface. This construct was separated from a normal space-time symmetry by advanced Forerunner slipspace technology, making it only 23 centimeters in diameter in real space, despite being 300 million kilometers (or approximately two [[Wikipedia:Astronomical unit|astronomical units]] [1 AU is 149,598,000&nbsp;km]) in diameter on the inside. The Micro Dyson sphere was located in a ''factually'' compressed slipstream space. In other terms, any object inside might appear to be a certain size, but inside the Slipstream bubble it is much, much larger. This led [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] to dub it as a "Micro Dyson sphere". The Dyson sphere's star has a spectra and energy output slightly smaller than the dimensions of [[Sol system|Sol]].{{Ref/Reuse|goo}}
-In the book ''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', it is revealed that at the core of Onyx is a [[Slipspace]] rift that shunts those that pass through it to a structured ''Dyson Sphere'', dubbed beforehand by the Forerunners as a [[Shield World]] [[Installation]]. It is separated from a normal space-time symmetry by advanced Forerunner Slipspace technology. Although [[Dr. Halsey]] calls it the '''Micro Dyson Sphere''', the Sphere is 300 million kilometers (or approximately two astronomical units [1 AU is 149,598,000 km]) in diameter on the inside. The Micro Dyson Sphere's star has a spectra and energy output slightly smaller than the dimensions of [[Sol]]. This was going to be the haven where the [[Forerunners]] were to seek refuge when [[Halo]] activated, but no one knows what went wrong with their alleged plan, as the expanse appeared to be completely deserted when [[UNSC]] forces arrived. In ''[[Halo 3]]'', these circumstances were revealed to be the result of the betrayal of the [[Forerunner]] [[AI]] [[Mendicant Bias]], whose defection to the [[Flood]] forced the Forerunners to abandon their plans to evacuate into the shield installations.
+===Shield World 0459===
+{{Main|Etran Harborage}}
+The Forerunners also constructed a number of Dyson shells vastly different from the Onyx installation; also a type of shield world, these constructs are known as conservation spheres.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 174''</ref> Unlike the Micro Dyson sphere within Onyx, the interior of this type of Shield World was a far smaller structure located in normal space, on the inner surface of an artificial planetary shell. Inside the shell was a network of ship-sized portals allowing access from an opening on the outside to the interior world.<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Cleansing]]''</ref>
-Basically, the structure fulfills its function as a "Shield World" perfectly. It protects the occupants of it and gives them a huge "world" to live in. Potentially, an entire new civilization could be constructed in a Dyson Sphere.
+The interior possessed an artificial sun, though it and the entire structure were on a far smaller scale; while the Dyson sphere within Onyx was millions of kilometers in diameter, the diameter of this structure was a mere few thousand kilometers. This shield world also functioned as a military installation, housing the [[Apex Site]], an internal docking facility for dozens of [[Sojourner-class dreadnought|''Sojourner''-class dreadnoughts]].<ref>'''Halo Wars''', campaign level ''[[Escape (Halo Wars level)|Escape]]''</ref>
-After their arrival in the Forerunner-constructed Dyson Sphere, Dr. Halsey explains the structure. She labels it a Micro Dyson Sphere because it is in fact very small, or perceived to be small when viewed from normal space. Linda also describes it as being in the bottom of a large bowl.
+===Quarantine shield===
+{{Main|Quarantine shield}}
+The shield placed by the Forerunners around the [[San'Shyuum]] home system was a different iteration of the Dyson sphere concept, known as a "Dyson swarm". Instead of being a physical shell, the sphere was comprised of trillions of automatons known as [[vigilant]]s, which constantly transitioned in and out of slipspace. Extending four hundred million kilometers from the system's star, any ships passing through the shield would require special access codes or be vaporized by the vigilants.{{Ref/Reuse|cryptum144}}
-The Micro Dyson sphere is located in a ''factually'' compressed Slipstream space. In other terms, any object inside might appear to be a certain size, but inside the Slipstream bubble it is much, much larger. Consequently, they never left [[Onyx]], but simply entered a Slipspace bubble.<ref>{{Quote|"Entirely true," Dr. Halsey said, "but we have not left Onyx."<br>"This is the part I don't get," [[Kelly]] muttered.<br>"The [[Forerunners]]' grasp of Slipspace technology was far more advanced than ours or the Covenant's," [[Dr. Halsey]] explained. "I believe this sphere resides in the center of the planet, encapsulated and protected by a Slipspace bubble of compressed dimensionality." | '''Halo: Ghosts Of Onyx''', page 381}}</ref><ref>{{Quote|[[Dr. Halsey]] stared at them and then pushed her glasses farther up the bridge of her nose. "I see. You do understand that while externally, this space may only be a few meters in diameter within the center of [[Onyx]], internally, it's compressed dimensionality gives it a surface area"—she cocked her head, calculating— "many times the surface of the [[Earth]]." | '''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', page 382}}</ref>
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+File:Old HW Horizon.png|View inside the miniature Dyson sphere of [[Trove]]
+File:Shieldogram.png|A holographic diagram of [[Trove]]
+</gallery>
-===Halo Wars===
+==List of appearances==
-[[Image:Shieldogram.png|thumb|right|250px|Diagram of the Shield World in ''Halo Wars''.]]
+*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' {{1st}}
-{{Main|Shield World (Halo Wars)}}
+*''[[Halo Wars]]''
+*''[[Halo: Cryptum]]''
-In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', another type of Micro Dyson Sphere appears. This Shield World is vastly different from the Onyx installation. Unlike Onyx, which was made of trillions of [[Onyx Sentinel|Sentinels]] over which a planetary surface had formed, this world was built in a method similar to a Halo Installation. It was a hollow structure with planetary surfaces on the interior and exterior being supported by numerous pillars. Inside this was a more familiar construct of ship-sized portals allowing access from an opening on the outside to the interior world. The interior was somewhat similar to Onyx's Dyson Sphere, possessing an artificial sun, though it and the entire structure are on a far smaller scale. However, unlike Onyx, it was seemingly not only designed as a bomb shelter, but also as some sort of harbor, shipyard, or hiding place for ships, as it contains [[The Apex]], which had dozens of [[Unnamed Forerunner Starship|Forerunner ships]] stored within it.
+*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
+*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
-{{clear}}
+*''[[Halo Fractures]]''
+**''[[Lessons Learned]]''
+*''[[Halo: Retribution]]'' {{Im}}
+*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
 ==Sources==
-<references/>
+{{Ref/Sources}}
-{{Forerunner2}}
+{{Forerunner}}
-[[Category:The Forerunner]]
+[[Category:Forerunner technology]]
-[[Category:Science Fiction Concepts]]
+[[Category:Science fiction concepts]]
-[[Category:Places]]