March 14th — the Most Startling Science Coincidence
The day no science lover can ever forget
As a lover of science and history, I enjoy studying and learning about the historical significance of science- physics, to be more specific. Unlike most people, I do not get bored by history. In fact, I believe that it is one of the most beautiful disciplines out there which is always exciting to learn.
There have been many important days in the history of science. July 20th was the day when the first man step foot on the surface of the moon, June 5th is celebrated as World environment day, April 22nd is celebrated as Earth day. However, there is one day of the year that stands out from the ordinary in terms of scientific events and a great mathematical coincidence.
March 14th is celebrated as World Pi Day. It is a day to celebrate for all the science and mathematics lovers from all across the world. The day falls on the 14th day of the 3rd month of the year, resembling its numerical value with the first 3 digits of Pi. Pi is one of the most important mathematical constants which is primarily defined as the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. The significance of this constant spreads around many different areas of mathematics, science, and to a great extent, it has some amazing deep philosophical meaning.
Along with being Pi day, March 14th is also the birthday of the most celebrated scientific genius of all time, Albert Einstein, who was born on this day in 1879. Einstein is best known for his works on the relativity theories which have revolutionized our understanding of the physical reality of the universe. He won the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his works on the photoelectric effect. So famously 14th March is also regarded as Einstein day.
Another startling co-incidence about this day is that it marks the death anniversary of one of the most celebrated and brilliant cosmologists of all time, Sir Stephen Hawking. Hawking died on this very same day in 2018. Best known for his contributions to cosmology and astrophysics, Hawking authored some of the most popular science books of all time including A Brief History of Time, and The Theory of Everything.
“Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.”
— Albert Einstein
I was celebrating Einstein’s birthday and teaching my students about the mathematical and philosophical significance of Pi on this day in 2018 when one of them notified me about the death of Stephen Hawking. It was my long-time dream to meet the famous professor and I was extremely saddened by the news for it was a great loss for the entire humanity. As saddened as I was by the demise of Prof. Hawking, I was startled by the fact that he died on Pi day and the day Einstein was born. Hawking, despite his illness, was the most profound and strong individual I’ve ever known. His lessons and pieces of advice are going to stay with us forever even if the Professor is gone.
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