Small diagonal signal
Five cells move one cell along each axis in four generations.
Run GliderA runnable selection guide
Choose a spaceship by speed and direction
A spaceship returns to the same shape at a translated position. Speed is distance per generation: c/4 means one cell every four generations. Compare diagonal movement with orthogonal movement rather than comparing the names alone.
Compare the runnable seeds
5 patterns
| Pattern | Period | Movement | Seed cells | Seed box | Experiment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glider | 4 | c/4 diagonal | 5 | 3 x 3 | Run and measure |
| Lightweight spaceship | 4 | c/2 orthogonal | 9 | 5 x 4 | Run and measure |
| Middleweight spaceship | 4 | c/2 orthogonal | 11 | 6 x 5 | Run and measure |
| Heavyweight spaceship | 4 | c/2 orthogonal | 13 | 7 x 5 | Run and measure |
| Loafer | 7 | c/7 orthogonal | 20 | 9 x 9 | Run and measure |
Start with a question
Classic straight-line motion
Watch a period-4 body move two cells orthogonally over its cycle.
Run Lightweight spaceshipA slower orthogonal ship
Its c/7 motion makes a useful contrast with the faster c/2 family.
Run LoaferHow to check the comparison
Reset the seed, step through one complete period, and compare both shape and position. Keep the reaction away from the edge: the teaching board is finite, while catalogue periods describe an unbounded plane.
Read the explanation · Check the LifeWiki definition · Try the classroom worksheet