The Lost ShangriLa - Le ciel bleu profond - Keep Walking, Traveler25

Several months ago, I told you guys about Pi Day, a day to celebrate the mathematical constant Pi, which fell on March 14.

Well, a competing number had its own day earlier this week...Tau.

Tau Day fell on June 28th, this Tuesday, as 6/28 is the closest approximation to this constant.

So, what is Tau?

Like Pi, it's a mathematical constant used to describe circles.

While Pi is based on diameter and circumference, Tau is based on radius and circumference.

Some people out there believe Tau should replace Pi, as they say it makes more sense, as a circle is really just all the points that are the radius' distance away from the center.

Tau Day is part of their efforts to usurp Pi.

Despite all their claims about its superior elegance, Tau supporters face a lot of resistance.

Some teachers say teaching students about circles is hard enough as-is without having to use new, more complicated equations featuring Tau.

Others say that pi is so universal that it would simply be too much trouble to go and change everything now.



For perspective, I'm Eric Gau.