A Rare W For Differential Geometry

Geometry Geodesics Navigation Maps Earth Curvature Differential geometry Cartography

Math Science Earth-science

4 months ago 10,955 views 0 shares

A Rare W For Differential Geometry

math-memes, geometry-memes, geodesics-memes, navigation-memes, maps-memes | ScienceHumor.io

This meme brilliantly showcases the mind-bending reality of geodesics on a curved surface! The straight-looking blue line between the USA and India isn't actually straight at all—it's a geodesic curve following the shortest path on our spherical Earth. Differential geometry FTW! While flat maps make it look like you'd sail through South America and Africa to get from the USA to India, the actual shortest path dips way south near Antarctica. It's the same reason airplane routes look weird on flat maps. Your brain wants a straight line, but Earth's curvature says "not today, navigator!" Mathematicians are sitting in the corner smugly nodding while everyone else questions their entire understanding of navigation.

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