Prunus aptenodytes - The Black Hole | Futility Closet If Satan played...

Prunus aptenodytes, tumblelog outre-Manchot. Voir aussi le blog pas tumblé.

Apr
23rd

Fri

The Black Hole | Futility Closet
If Satan played miniature golf, this would be his favorite hole. A ball struck at A can never find the hole at B — even if it bounces forever.
This problem arose in the 1950s, when Ernst Straus wondered whether a room lined with mirrors would always be illuminated completely by a single match.
Straus’ question went unanswered until 1995, when George Tokarsky found a 26-sided room with a “dark” spot; two years later D. Castro offered the 24-sided improvement above. If a candle is placed at A, and you’re standing at B, you won’t see its reflection anywhere around you — though you’re surrounded by mirrors.

If Satan played miniature golf, this would be his favorite hole. A ball struck at A can never find the hole at B — even if it bounces forever.

This problem arose in the 1950s, when Ernst Straus wondered whether a room lined with mirrors would always be illuminated completely by a single match.

Straus’ question went unanswered until 1995, when George Tokarsky found a 26-sided room with a “dark” spot; two years later D. Castro offered the 24-sided improvement above. If a candle is placed at A, and you’re standing at B, you won’t see its reflection anywhere around you — though you’re surrounded by mirrors.

Comments (View)