Why Did the Stargate Have 9 Chevrons and Were 8 and 9 Ever Used?

In the vast Stargate franchise, the Stargate is a fantastical device that opens a portal for travel between different planets and galaxies. It is a marvel of interstellar navigation, featuring a precise and intricate system of 'chevrons' to pinpoint locations. Each Stargate is equipped with a total of nine chevrons, which serve distinct purposes in enabling travel through the stargate network.

Understanding the Functionality of the Chevrons

Stargates are designed with a system of chevrons to establish connections through wormholes. The first six chevrons are used to pinpoint a location within a single galaxy, akin to dialing a specific address on Earth. These first six chevrons allow the Stargate to communicate with a destination within the same cosmic neighborhood, establishing a link through which a wormhole can form.

The seventh chevron is crucial for intergalactic travel. It acts as the point of origin, allowing two different points in space to connect and create an outgoing wormhole. This step ensures that the destination is within a different galaxy, marking a significant leap in spatial navigation.

Specialized Purposes of the Eighth and Ninth Chevrons

The eighth and ninth chevrons function as specialized tools for more complex and rare forms of travel. The eighth chevron is used for additional precision in dialing, akin to dialing a different area code. It adds an extra distance calculation to the coordinates, enabling travel to specific points in space or to locations that require additional space-time coordinates, such as a specific point in time or a remote location in the vastness of space.

The ninth chevron, while rarely used, is reserved for journeys to locations that are outside the typical scope of spatial travel. It is associated with traversing other dimensions or alternate realities, opening up a broader range of narrative possibilities within the Stargate universe.

Unique Uses in the Stargate Series

The Stargate Omnipedia provides insight into the unique uses of these special chevrons. For instance, the eighth chevron is critical for dialing connections to distant locations within other galaxies, requiring significant energy to power the transmission.

During the Atlantis expedition, a discovery was made in the city database regarding the ninth chevron. Approximately three years into the expedition, researchers identified a 9-chevron address, marking a groundbreaking achievement. Earth launched a massive research project to understand the use of the 9th chevron, eventually managing to dial it and connect to the Destiny - an exploratory vessel launched by the Ancients. This ship travels through countless galaxies and is always in motion, necessitating a unique 9-chevron address to ensure it could be reached at any point in its journey.

Conclusion:

The first six chevrons are central to standard travel within a galaxy, the seventh ensures proper intergalactic connection, and the eighth and ninth chevrons provide specialized tools for complex and unique travel scenarios. These chevrons significantly enhance the narrative potential of the Stargate universe, allowing for groundbreaking discoveries and interstellar adventures.