What is pi, anyway? It's a mathematical constant representing the ratio of any circle's circumference to its diameter. It sounds abstract, but there's a real-world example right under your feet: the circumference of the earth equals the diameter of the earth times pi. And pi is all over the place in math, science and engineering. It's even part of Einstein's theory of relativity, which is fitting since March 14 also happens to be Einstein's birthday. Maybe pi's essential place in our world is why every March around Pi Day searches for [pi] spike upwards.
A quick Google search reveals a lot of options for celebrating this "nerd holiday." For starters, you could do some math (now that's an irrational number!). If you're at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, where Pi Day began in 1987, you might be circumnavigating a "Pi Shrine" or singing a Pi Day song. Others suggest watching the movie π or going on a "pi run" (you can stop at 3.14 miles). You can hold your own pi recitation contest, or mix it up and make it tougher by asking people to recite pi in binary (hint: it's a lot of ones and zeros). Finally, don't forget the best part of Pi Day: eating pie! Either make your own, or, if you're too dizzy to bake after circumnavigating Pi Shrines all day, find one to buy nearby. I'll have apple.
