Newcomer Solves Major Sphere-Packing Problem
By
pseudolus
The bagel they save for the regulars. Don't skim, savour.
Summary
A newcomer to sphere packing solves a major problem, stemming from an unexpected source, challenging the centuries-old sphere-packing problem. The article discusses the historical context and significance of the problem in various fields like cryptography and communication.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe sphere-packing problem — which asks how to cram balls into a (high-dimensional) box as efficiently as possible — is no exception.
In the early 17th century, the physicist Johannes Kepler showed that by stacking three-dimensional spheres the way you would oranges in a grocery store, you can fill about 74% of space.
After just a few months of work, a complete newcomer to the world of sphere packing has solved one of its biggest open problems.
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