Spherical harmonics Memes

Physicists looking at a simple hydrogen atom: "Too basic. Let's make it SPICY." *proceeds to create an equation that requires three dimensions, multiple quantum numbers, and enough Greek letters to make Pythagoras jealous* Spherical harmonics are what happens when mathematicians and physicists collaborate after too much caffeine. Sure, we could describe electron orbitals simply, but where's the fun in that? Let's turn a basic planetary model into an equation that makes calculus look like kindergarten arithmetic!