Mandelbrot Gallery

*. . . I n t e r l o p e r s W e b s p a c e*

The Multi-Dimensional Gallery of Mandelbrot Images
| Enter the Viewing Gallery |

Introduction

Welcome to the multi-dimensional gallery of images based on a set of numerical calculations (recursive) first investigated by Benoit Mandelbrot. These images were generated using the Fractint freeware program, available over the web (see the link at the bottom of this page).

History

Mandelbrot discovered that recursive calculations on the number set from -2 to +2, could be conducted anywhere from a few times, to an infinite number of times. By assigning a color value, based on the number of calculations possible before the result exceeded a set value, usually +2, would generate interesting images when plotted on an X/Y graph. The resulting plots are called fractal images. Because the possible number sets are infinite, and the number of calculations can be infinite, the number of images possible is also infinite.

Today and Beyond

Increased desktop computer power has enabled anyone to explore this magical world. Other mathematicians and computer programmers have expanded on the formulas and the display options so that today the same information can be displayed in an almost unlimited number of possible ways. This may include full 3D landscapes that you can actually walk through. Movies have used these formulas to create never before seen landscapes. Desktop computers and 3D software are getting to the point that this is a real possibility today. Sadly, I don't have the ability to demonstrate this for you now, but I am sure that someone, somewhere, in the very near future will do this.

About The Gallery

This gallery of images will show a full range of images in different dimensions. Some are based on the entire set of numbers showing you the familiar (the background on this page...) Mandelbrot image.

Other images are based on very small number sets. Reducing the set of numbers, used in the recursive calculations, has the effect of zooming in on an infinitely smaller area of the entire image and filling the screen with it.

The images are presented in reduced JPEG format to speed the initial loading. To view the image full screen, click on the image that you are interested in viewing. Below some of the images are listed alternate viewing options. These will be three dimensional views in one of the following formats:

3D Plot: Just enjoy the view
Stereo-Scopic: two side-by-side images (re-focus your view until a third image appears in between the two original views)
Stereo-Depth: Magic Eye style - Re-focus your view until a 3D image appears (some of the images have 2 bars on them to assist in getting the view; re-focus to make a third bar appear, hold this focus to view the image in depth)
Red/Blue: 3D glasses required for 3D effect

Note: Don't strain your eyes to try to view 3D images, once you have learned how to re-focus, you can relax your eye muscles and search the image for detail comfortably.

Viewing Images

To improve views of an image, lower the room lights to cut down on screen glare, and make sure the brightness level of your monitor is set so dark areas are BLACK - NOT GRAY!

Enjoy the show!

Enter the Gallery

Links To More Information

Below are listed some places on the web to locate others interested in this science, and to the hotbed of the latest fractal integers research with the Stone Soup Group

Fractint Homepage: Get the best program to generate images on your own computer. It has more bells and whistles than any other program I've seen. Plus it is constantly being updated by the Stone Soup Group.
This page also has links to authors and to the best fractal images available on the web.
Alien Worlds?: My page of spherical projections creating unique planets and moons.
Explore Mandelbrot Fractals On-Line: This page runs a Java Applet that allows you to explore the mandelbrot set on-line. Your browser must be java enabled. Use the Small button to explore quicker, then select Big, when you find something interesting. Enjoy!
Explore Julia Fractals On-Line: This page runs a Java Applet that allows you to explore the julia sets of the mandelbrot set on-line. Your browser must be java enabled. Enjoy!
Neighbors Pages: Some of my neighbors at Geocities have put together some interesting pages concerning fractals.
Another Neighbor: YEP! Another one...