The cachalot is a giant cetacean seen vary rarely, for they often dive to deep depths. They're also known as sperm whales after their spermaceti, a waxy substance in the whale's head cavity, which is considered valuable.
(ËkÉzmÉªk) adj. 1. (Astronomy) of or relating to the whole universe: cosmic laws. 2. (Astronomy) occurring or originating in outer space, esp as opposed to the vicinity of the earth, the solar system, or the local galaxy: cosmic rays. 3. immeasurably extended in space or time; vast.
In this piece adapted from his new book Cosmic Numbers: The Numbers That Define Our Universe, California State University, Long Beach, mathematics professor James D. Stein reveals not only the effect each number has on our lives and our universe, but also the story of the people who discovered and worked with them.