For some other values of c, z0 = 0 does not belong
to a cycle, but some of its iterates belong to a cycle. For example, consider c = -2. |
z0 = 0, |
z1 = z02 + c = 02 - 2 = -2, |
z2 = z12 + c = (-2)2 - 2 = 2, |
z3 = z22 + c = 22 - 2 = 2, |
and so zn = 2 for all n > 1. |
|
That is, z0 = 0 is not itself fixed, but it iterates to
a point (z2 = 2 in this case) that is fixed. |
Points c with this property are called Misiurewicz points. |
All Misiurewicz points belong to the boundary of the Mandelbrot set. |
They are branch tips, centers of spirals, and points where branches meet. |
Some Misiurewicz points are indicated by red dots. |
 |
The Misiurewicz points are scattered throughout the boundary of
M: every circle centered at every boundary point encloses infinitely many Misiurewicz
points. |