Talk:Gravitational manipulation

Ability Naming Conventions
The following sources are used for determining evolved human ability names, in order:
1. Canon Sources	Episodes
2. Near-canon Sources	Webisodes, Graphic Novels, iStories, Heroes Evolutions
3. Secondary Sources	Episode commentary, Interviews, Heroes: Survival
4. Common names for abilities	Names from other works
5. Descriptions of abilities	Descriptions
6. Possessor's name	If no non-speculative description is possible
Note: The highlighted row represents the level of the source used to determine gravitational manipulation's name.
Source/Explanation
"Gravitational manipulation" is the ability name listed in Stephen Canfield's assignment tracker profile.

Fourth dimension

In terms of dimensional alteration, there isn't such thing as a single collective "fourth dimension". It is unknown if fourth dimensions exist, but if they did, mathematically it would exist as a value on a coordinate plane. For instance, let's say the center of our universe exists at a (0,0,0) point in the space diagram. Well, if we accept that fourth dimensions exist, then we could call the coordinate (0,0,0,0) instead. That last point could be theoretically any value, ranging from -infinity to infinity. This allows an actually infinite number of universes by our perception, just like how three dimensions allow an infinite number of universes to two-dimensional objects.

If the vortexes work by dimensional travel, then it's possible that entering one of these vortexes transports you to a location whose fourth coordinate is different from that of our universe. Therefore, the multi-verse theory and dimensional transport theory can actually be the same thing.

(note: much of this is speculation derived from inferences after reading "Flatland", a novel that for all it's brilliance, does not delve deeply into fourth dimensions. If someone with greater knowledge of the subject could check this, that would be good) --Bulzeeb 14:43, October 14, 2008

• We don't know if it's a different fourth dimension or a different dimension altogether, but the writers did say the pull is dimensional. As to the fourth and other dimensions, I recommend you read Sphereland. It's a sequel to Flatland, but it's by a different author.--MiamiVolts (talk) 15:51, 14 October 2008 (EDT)

Black holes

I removed the notes comment that the vortexes are black holes. From the story so far, it is not said whether or not that is true. They could also be wormholes (such as the ones from Sliders) or something altogether different.--MiamiVolts (talk) 15:51, 14 October 2008 (EDT)

Plurality

ACDC is right that one of the plurals of vortex is vortices. However, vortexes is also correct (see here). Personally, I don't care which we choose as long as we are consistent.--MiamiVolts (talk) 15:57, 14 October 2008 (EDT)

• They called them "vortexes" in the episode, right? If so I think that's what people may expect to see. (Admin 15:59, 14 October 2008 (EDT))
  • I agree, I personally prefer "vortexes". Either is correct. -- RyanGibsonStewart (talk) 16:08, 14 October 2008 (EDT)
  • Yeah, we can add "vortexes" as a redirect and a note, or we can change the description back and add a note/redirect for "vortices". I'd like to read more opinions on this.--MiamiVolts (talk) 16:11, 14 October 2008 (EDT)

Canonicity

So we've gone from a canon name of "vortex creation" to a near-canon name of "gravitational manipulation". Was that a mistake? Are we now assuming all assignment tracker entries are canon because some appeared on the show? Assignment tracker entries top graphic novels in canonicity, but not the show itself, unless we are making that assumption.--MiamiVolts (talk) 20:51, 14 October 2008 (EDT)