Uncomfortably clos hurricane Isabel (left)and 30 million light-yeardistant galaxy M51 actually don't have much in common.For starters, Isabel was hundreds of miles across, while M51 (th Whirlpool Galaxy)spans about 50,000 light-years making them vastlydissimilar in scale, not to mention the extremely differentphysical interactions which control thei formation an evolution.But they do look amazingly alike, both exhibiting the shape of a simpleand beautiful mathematical curve known as logarithmicspiral, a spiral whose separation grows in geometricway with increasing distance from the center.Also known as th equiangular spiral, growth spiral, and Bernoulli'sspiral or spira mirabilis, this curve' rich properties have fascinate mathematicianssince its discovery by 17th century philosophe Descartes.Intriguingly, this abstract shape is much more abundant in naturethan suggested by the striking visual comparison above.Logarithmic spirals also describe, for example, the arrangement o sunflowerseeds, the shapes of nautilus shells, and .. cauliflower.
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