What do a seashell and a galaxy share in common?

3D ModelNoAI

Both a seashell and a spiral galaxy exhibit a similar spiral pattern known as golden spiral, a special type of logarithmic spiral that grows outward by a factor of the golden ratio (~ 1.618) for every quarter turn it makes. The golden ratio is a mathematical constant that has been found to have aesthetic and harmonious properties, and it appears frequently in nature, art, and architecture.

In the case of seashells, their growth is influenced by the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio, leading to a spiral shape that approximates the golden spiral. Similarly, some galaxies, particularly spiral galaxies, have arms that follow the curve of the golden spiral.

The prevalence of the golden spiral in various natural and cosmic phenomena is a fascinating example of how mathematical principles can be observed in the patterns of the world around us.

Credit: the shell model was developed by https://sketchfab.com/RISDNaturelab