The Wanderings of Electrons

Explore the captivating pi orbitals tattoo that blends art with science in this unique story of inspiration.

Written byCarl Zimmer
| 1 min read
Google NewsGoogle News Preferred Source

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news

Sign Up

Stasia from Germany writes,

I made this tattoo when I was second year student in physics. Then I had just started my first scientific project and this simple but beautiful shape impressed me. Now I am a Ph.D student in chemical physics and this picture of hybridisation perfectly fits in the area of my scientific interests.

Carl: This is a diagram of pi orbitals (or p orbitals), a particular kind of room in which electrons live. For more, see here. And if you don't like your pi orbitals tattooed, how about a towering sculpture?

Meet the Author

Stay Curious

JoinOur List

Sign up for our weekly science updates

View our Privacy Policy

SubscribeTo The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Subscribe