CANCELED: Pi Day Celebration

Event Description

This event has been canceled. 

Join us in the Lohman Planetarium for a Pi Day celebration as we are joined by Andrei Ludu, Professor of Mathematics with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University! The mathematical constant π (pi) is roughly 3.14, so March 14 (3.14) is Pi Day! We will figure out what this number is, why it is so important in mathematics and science, and how it is part of our everyday lives. This is also a great excuse to have a free piece of pie! 

Pi: The Little Number That Isn't There
by Dr. Andrei Ludu, Professor of Mathematics, ERAU

The number pi brings infinity at anyone’s fingertips and allows rhythms to exist. Every year on March 14^th (3.14, that is pi to its first three digits) mathematicians celebrate the Pi Day. No number can claim more fame than pi. The digits of pi go on forever without order except that they keep representing a perfect circle. This duality between order and randomness, between whole numbers and measurable infinity is one of the strengths of pi. But pi is also essential to anything repeating in cycles. In any rhythm, from atomic clocks, to heart beats to revolution of planets, inevitably pi occurs. Pi is in engineering designs, river meanders, ocean tides, universe expansion, zebra stripes, wireless signals, Schrödinger’s cat paradox. There is no number to grasp the very essence of universe as much as pi does. We will briefly explain what the number pi is, followed by short history of its discovery and studies. Next, we will present the main domains of human knowledge where pi is present, from philosophy, to mathematics, to astrophysics, to biology all the way to arts. Q &A will follow.

Space is limited and entry is first-come, first served. 

Admission: Free for members or included with paid museum admission.