Fractal visionaries and enthusiasts:

Today's image is a scene in a perturbed Mandelbrot set, and it is also a scene in some distant galaxy.  But is it a real scene that actually exists somewhere?  This depends on whether the universe (or multiverse) is finite or infinite.  If the universe is limited, then the scene possibly might exist somewhere, somewhat as it appears in the image, though more likely the image is purely imaginary.  If the universe is infinite however, then the scene actually exists somewhere out there.  In fact, it exists in an infinity of different locations.  Since I assume the universe is infinite, I claim that today's image is, in effect, an actual photograph of one of those infinity of identical scenes.

Metaphysical philosophizing aside, the star field outlining the bud in today's image is all a matter of coloring.  Therefore, I must humbly give myself most of the credit for the 9-1/2 rating of the image.  To see what coloring can do, try changing the color palette and then see what you think the image is worth.

The name "Stellar Nursery" implies that there is more truth in the image than meets the eye.  The calculation time of under 1-1/2 minutes can hardly be beat.

Heavy clouds and intermittent rain made things rather unpleasant here at Fractal Central on Sunday.  The temperature of 75F 24C was fair enough, though the rain made it hard to enjoy.  As of 8pm, just over one inch or about 3cm of rain had fallen into FL's garden rain gauge.  The fractal cats had their big thrill when they started chasing a wasp that got into the kitchen.  Luckily, I removed the bug before anyone got stung.  The rest of the day was totally routine.

The next FOTD will be posted in 24 hours.  Until then, take care, or maybe don't take care.  Life can be pretty boring for those who are always taking too much care.

Jim Muth
jamth@mindspring.com
jimmuth@aol.com


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