- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
I'd have to agree that the rotation of Halo doesn't seem to be related it's gravity because of the technology invoolved, but I think that the rotation could still be explained as an architectural function. The rotation of the ring would apply force outward in all directions from the center of the ring, thus maintaining structural rigidity throughout all of Halo. Regardless of the materials involved in the ring's construction, the gravity of Threshold (the planet Halo orbits) would compress Halo to the breaking point if the ring didn't rotate. The rotation would basically perform the function of giant support struts on the inside of the ring (kinda like having huhge invisible spokes on a giant wheel). As far as the giant plasma bursts are concerned, I think it's doubtful they could provide light to the other side of the ring since there aren't any structures on the inside of the ring to convert the energy into white light before hitting the other side. My best guess is that the plasma emission structures having recieving counterparts on the other side of the ring in order to safely absorb and redirect the plasma energy, maybe to serve as a way to transport very large amounts of energy across the ring very quickly. The plasma burst could also serve to discharge excess heat in the ring, act as maneuvering thrusters (Why would the be on the INSIDE of the ring? Don't ask me, I'm just guessing at stuff here), or maybe the Forerunners were just very fond of giant, meaningless towers that shoot off pretty green clouds of plasma (I like that one).