Faq
Frequently Asked
Questions
1. What is the Stargate?
The Stargate is a round portal that can instantaneously transport an
object from one point in space to another by generating an artificial
wormhole. A wormhole is created between any two Stargates when one
Stargate dials the address of another Stargate. A Stargate uses 6 of 38
symbols, representing star constellations, to locate another Stargate
and then uses a final 7th symbol, unique to each Stargate, as its point
of origin. All together, the Stargate contains 39 symbols, one of
which represents a point of origin unique to that Stargate, and has 7
chevrons that are used to lock on to Stargate symbols and dial another
Stargate.
From the Writer's Bible:
- a. Gate Activation & Composition : The
Stargate is made of a quartzite metal not found on earth (Naquada).
Naquada is found on the planet in the movie (Abydos) as well as
several others that the gate leads to. The metal is the only known
element that absorbs (and energizes with) neutrinos. Somehow, when
energized with neutrinos, the gate forms a stable artificial worm-hole
with another gate. It will not react with any other substance --
radiation, particle bombardment, fire, pressure, etc.
The inner
dial of the gate turns like the bevel of a watch. There are 39 symbols
on the dial. When the dial is turned to seven of the symbols in a
certain order (like a combination lock) it activates the gate between
Earth and the planet to which that combination correlates. The
combinations, as set up by the creators of the gate, correspond to the
points needed to vector a location in three dimensional space where
the planet resides. The last symbol is always the point of
origin.
- b. The Iris : The Air Force learns by Daniel
Jackson's example on Abydos, and by the actions of the ancient
Egyptians, that if the Gate is buried under a strong, substantial
substance, it blocks the path of anyone or anything attempting to pass
through it. Therefore, the Air Force built a giant iris which closes
very quickly over the gate. The iris is so close to the event horizon
(less than 10 micrometers) that it won't allow anything to
rematerialize on our side. Therefore it will block anything from
coming through the gate uninvited. If someone tries to come through
the gate with the iris closed, their molecules would not have a chance
to rematerialize (they cease to exist).
The SG teams carry a small
transmitter capable of sending a coded signal through the gate,
notifying the SGC which team would like the gate opened. This device
is called a G.D.O. Once the signal is sent (from the G.D.O.) it is
safe to pass through the Stargate. The iris is then closed behind the
travelers immediately upon their arrival on Earth.
- c. Auto-Destruct : As a second line of
defense, if an unknown traveler is inbound, a base auto-destruct
countdown begins. If not terminated by a ranking officer, a nuclear
blast will detonate inside the mountain.
- d. Gate Travel : Gate travel is one way. A
person cannot go through the gate, leave it open, and then step back
through it. The gate has to be stopped and then restarted from the
opposite planet in order to travel back to the other end. The only
thing thing that can travel two ways through the gate are radio waves
(which the M.A.L.P. transmits back to Earth).
2. Who made the Stargate?
No one knows. It was originally believed that the Goa'uld had
constructed the Stargate network. Daniel Jackson theorizes that a race
of aliens impersonating the Norse gods constructed the Stargates. The
true origins of the Stargate are still unknown.
3. How many chevrons are on the Stargate?
The Stargate contains nine chevrons. Although the gate has nine
chevrons, typically only seven of these are used when dialing from a
gate. In the episode The Fifth Race, an eighth chevron was
activated (thanks to the Asgard) and Carter noted, "The extra chevron
must add a new distance calculation to the existing points, like a
different area code." So far, the eighth chevron has been used only once
(on the Earth Stargate), and the purpose or function of the ninth
chevron is still unknown.
4. Why is the team called SG-1?
The "SG" designation denotes that the team is a part of the Stargate
program, while the number following the Stargate designation is to
distinguish between separate Stargate teams. Certain teams have special
duties within the Stargate program. Listed below are all special
designation teams noted thus far in the series: Special Team
Designations:
- SG-3 - Marine combat unit, lead by Colonel Makepeace.
- SG-5 - Marine combat unit.
- SG-7 - Scientific Corp.
- SG-8 - Medical team. This team typically will travel
accompanied by SG-3 during medical emergencies.
- SG-9 - Diplomatic Corp., led by attorney Major Stan
Kovachek.
- SG-11 - Engineering Corp.
5. What does this abbreviation stand for?
a. M.A.L.P. Mobile Analytic Laboratory Probe,
which travels through the Stargate to unexplored offworld locations,
determining whether or not it is safe for human teams to proceed through
the Stargate.
b. D.H.D. Dial Home Device: activates the
Stargate.
c. G.D.O. Garage Door Opener: transmits a
signal to open the iris placed over the over the Stargate on Earth.
d. F.R.E.D. Field Remote Expeditionary
Device: carries supplies for field units on the other side of the
Stargate. With six wheels, FRED can navigate almost any terrain.
e. T.E.R. Transphase Eradication Rod: detects
objects operating in the light spectrum 180 degrees out of phase of
human vision, like the alien race the Reetouh.
6. Why does every culture SG-1 encounters speak
English?
They do not. As many cultures encountered by the SG teams are
derived from ancient Earth cultures, as a linguist, Daniel Jackson is
able to communicate with most of these cultures. SG-1 also has Teal'c
along, a 90 year old Jaffa, who can communicate with all other Goa'ulds.
Occasionally, SG-1 even encounters a race, like the Asguard, who are
technologically superior to humans and decipher english in order to
communicate with the team.
7. What is Stargate SG-1?
Stargate SG-1 is a science fiction television series which follows
the adventures of a top secret Air Force team, SG-1, as they travel
through a portal called the "Stargate." Stargate SG-1 is based
upon the feature film "Stargate," created by Dean Devlin and Roland
Emmerich ("Independence Day," "Godzilla"). The series itself was created
by Jonathan Glassner and Brad Wright ("The Outer Limits") and stars
Richard Dean Anderson ("MacGyver").
Stargate SG-1 currently airs in the United States on the cable
station Showtime and can also be seen in syndication. Stargate SG-1 also
airs internationally in several countries including, but not limited to,
Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and France.
8. Where can I see Stargate SG-1?
- United States: Showtime, Syndication (
- Canada: WIC Network
- Australia: Channel 7
- United Kingdom: Channel 4, SkyOne
9. Can I see Stargate SG-1 on video?
Yes, the pilot episode, Children of the Gods, is available to rent
nationwide. You can also purchase the Stargate SG-1 DVD.
10. Who is behind the TV series?
The original "Stargate" concept was devised by Dean Devlin and
Rolland Emmerich. Devlin executive produced the "Stargate" film,
Emmerich directed, and both wrote the storyline. In the fall of 1996,
MGM announced its plans to take the "Stargate" property and turn it into
a television series, "Stargate SG-1."
For the series, MGM brought in the creative talents of Jonathan
Glassner and Brad Wright, who previously worked on "The Outer Limits"
for MGM, to create storylines and produce the show. Seasons
1-2: Executive Producers: Jonathan Glassner, Brad Wright, Michael
Greenburg Season 3: Executive Producers: Jonathan Glassner, Brad
Wright, Michael Greenburg, Richard Dean Anderson Season 4: Executive
Producers: Brad Wright, Michael Greenburg, Richard Dean Anderson, Robert
C. Cooper
11. Will there be another Stargate movie?
In Hollywood, anything's possible. Currently, however, there are no
plans for a second "Stargate" film.
12. Is it possible to visit the set in
Vancouver?
No, due to liability and safety issues where the series in filmed,
the set is not open to the public for visitation.
13. How can I contact the actors or the production
office?
You can write to any cast or crew member involved in the show at the
address below:
Stargate SG-1
c/o MGM
2501 Colorado Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90404
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