PBS recently aired a very interesting documeetary on NOVA about fractals, called Hunting the Hidden Dimension. In it they described some of the history and modern uses of fractals. When I was young and stupid and in college I was always intrigued by the beauty of the pictures produced by fractals. The notion of this sort of ‘chaotic symmetry’ cointained within is beautiful, to say the least.
What I found surprisingly interesting, and that I did not know, was how fractals are used to explain the make up of nature. From cell phone antennas to the shape of Forests and Mountains.
If you get a chance try to catch it online.
