Every time we walk out the door we are surrounded by math in the world around us. Nature has a beautiful and amazing way of using math. These patterns in nature can be seen as symmetry, spirals, waves, fractals, spots, stripes, crystals etc. The list of these mathematical formations goes on and on. A strong knowledge and understanding of such concepts helps us to appreciate the fantastic properties of nature.

One beautiful mathematical formation found in nature is the perfect sphere. A perfect sphere is defined as being completely symmetrical around its center, with all points on the surface lying the same distance from the center point. While Earth is oftentimes referred to as a sphere, it actually just misses this classification because it is slightly squashed at the poles. Nonetheless, a perfect sphere does appear in nature and can be seen in examples such as bubbles, water drops, planets, and atoms. Also, the sun is considered to be the most perfect sphere ever observed in nature. It is the most perfectly round natural object in the entire universe.

Why are these perfect spheres so important to nature and our existence? If spheres are not balanced with one another, the world would not function as we know it. Life on our earth depends on balance, and nature has always found a way to balance perfect spheres over time. The balance of spheres is what makes nature predictable and mathematical. In nature, gravity and force tend to make many things into spheres such as bubbles, planets, and atoms. If these spheres were not balanced, they would not exist. Thus, nature would not exist.

Understanding how math and science are interconnected helps us to understand the world around us. Geometry is more than just a chapter in your math book. It explains why nature and life on earth exist. Having a strong understanding of spheres is essential to understanding life itself. The way spheres in nature interact with one another and remain in balance is directly related to why life on Earth is possible. “Nature will survive without humans, but humans cannot survive without nature.” (BSB conservatory)