As you might know, today (March 14) is Pi Day, as in π, the mathematical constant of 3.14159…
(If you’re curious about what it actually means, π is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. It’s also an irrational number, meaning its value cannot be expressed as a fraction and the numbers after the decimal continue forever without repeating.)
The Astronomy magazine staff ate plenty of pies (and other circle-shaped food) to celebrate Pi Day. // Photo by Alison Mackey
For years, we’ve celebrated this mathematical holiday at
Astronomy magazine by bringing in circle-shaped food — lots of it. We had planned on taking part in the tasty goodness at 1:59 this afternoon — the traditional start time — but decided instead to make it a lunch event. We had pizza, quiche, a chicken wreath, apples, oranges, Pringles chips, cookies, and a bunch of dessert pies: French silk, raspberry, peanut butter and chocolate, mocha fudge, and apple.
Needless to say, the staff of your favorite magazine is stuffed from the Pi Day celebration. What are you doing to celebrate this mathematical holiday?