Have a symmetrical object named after you

December 20th, 2009 | by Sol |

I became a big fan of Marcus du Sautoy when I read his books Symmetry, and Music of the Primes.

   

Then I discovered the TED video, Symmetry: reality’s riddle.

From that video I learned about du Sautoy’s fundraising page for Common Hope:

Common Hope promotes hope and opportunity in Guatemala, partnering with children, families, and communities who want to participate in a process of development to improve their lives through education, health care, and housing.

And I learned how to get my own symmetrical object:

People have stars named after them, craters on the moon, even comets…but how about naming a symmetrical object in hyperspace. For a donation of over $10 you can have a new symmetrical object named after you or a friend. A great birthday present. My new book FINDING MOONSHINE (UK) or SYMMETRY (US) narrates the discovery of these new symmetrical objects that have interesting connections with objects in number theory called elliptic curves. Here is the chance to claim one of these groups and have the group named after you. I have created infinitely many of these groups so they won’t run out!

What a great idea! So, I donated and now I’m the proud owner of a symmetry group. This could be the perfect gift for the Math lover who has everything although I wouldn’t bet on the certificate being generated by Christmas. [ Update: 12/22/09. Mr. du Sautoy says that he will send certificates out on the 24th of December for those of you who want to give symmetry groups as Christmas presents. ]

No, I can’t explain what one of these beasts is but I’m happy to donate to a good cause and to own one of my very own.

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  1. 3 Responses to “Have a symmetrical object named after you”

  2. By ARJ on Dec 20, 2009 | Reply

    neat… and you’re likely aware of it, but in case not, du Sautoy Twitters at:

    http://twitter.com/MarcusduSautoy

  3. By Sol on Dec 20, 2009 | Reply

    ARJ,

    Yes, I’m aware of du Sautoy on twitter. I follow him. And, I’ve started tweeting as http://twitter.com/wildaboutmath

  4. By notedscholar on Dec 21, 2009 | Reply

    Yikes! This video is a meme machine! I’ll have to send it on.

    NS

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