Fourteenth of March, or one could also write in the Anglo-Saxon manner 3.14. A simple number apparently. But for those who have studied a little mathematics, they know that behind that "3.14" there is nothing but the "Pi", the mathematical constant that expresses the ratio between the length of a circumference and its diameter. Today, therefore, the “Pi day” is celebrated all over the world, a day desired in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw, which later became an annual event. But the "Pi" is related to the figure of Archimedes, Syracusan mathematician. In fact, Pi was scientifically approximated to 3,14 precisely by the Syracusan in the third century BC. Although it was already used empirically by other civilizations, including the Egyptians and Babylonians. And there are many events around the world to celebrate this day dedicated to mathematics for some years.
Pi day is International Mathematics Day
A special day, therefore, today, for those who love physics and mathematics. In fact, by lucky coincidence, Albert Einstein's birthday is also today. And on the day of the first celebration of Pi day at the San Francisco Exploratorium, attendees marched around a large circle and ate some cakes, which is pronounced "pie" in English. But around this date of March 14, the International Mathematics Day was also conceived, wanted by UNESCO in 2020. This is therefore the second year that this anniversary is celebrated. But despite Covid, initiatives have been promoted even if in virtual mode to celebrate "Mathematics for a better world". This is the theme chosen for this day, for reflection even at the time of the pandemic.
The online initiatives for this day
There are many initiatives organized for the Pi day and the day of mathematics. Among these, the Effediesse Laboratory of the Politecnico di Milano with the competition Pi Greco and the irrationals. And again in Pavia, on the initiative of the Taramelli Foscolo Secondary Institute and the University of Studies, among the various events also a concert that will be performed with Albert Einstein's piano. And this year then the choice to celebrate the events for the day of mathematics to underline the contribution that mathematics is offering in the study of pandemic evolution.
Today's events are promoted with the coordination of the International Mathematical Union. Among the topics artificial intelligence, epidemiology, climate change analysis, the study of the universe. "Today mathematics enters everyday life, but it is very useful for trying to solve problems such as the health emergency, pollution or global warming", Explained to Ansa the mathematician Roberto Natalini, director of the Institute for the applications of calculus' M. Picone 'of the National Research Council (Iac / Cnr). "We have been working in this direction with Cnr for years, and we believe it is important - added - that more and more people are aware of how much mathematics could be decisive for overcoming these challenges".
The bond of Syracuse with Archimedes
And the Ionian city remembered Archimedes. In fact, in addition to a museum and a theme park in the city there is a large statue in memory of the mathematician and the particular installation of a Greek Pi, a symbol of research. The work made of polystyrene and covered with resins resistant to atmospheric agents. A way to preserve memory of his illustrious fellow citizen.
