Hénon Map Attractor
The Hénon map iterates x ← 1 − ax² + y, y ← bx — nothing more — yet at the classic parameters a = 1.4, b = 0.3 the points settle onto a boomerang-shaped strange attractor that never repeats and never fills in. Zooming reveals layers within layers, a fractal cross-section. Slide a and b to watch the attractor bifurcate from fixed points to periodic orbits to full chaos, plotting hundreds of thousands of iterates live.
Runs 100% in your browser — simulations are computed locally on your device.
Read the full guide to this tool
Notes
- The classic parameters a = 1.4, b = 0.3 give a strange attractor with fractal dimension about 1.26.
- The map contracts area (|b| < 1) yet stretches and folds, the hallmark mechanism of chaos.
- Nearby starting points separate exponentially fast, but both land on the same attractor.
- Runs 100% in your browser — simulations are computed locally on your device.
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