Jun 10, 2010  •  In Art/Design, Geek, Information

The N States of America

What happens to the number of stars on Old Glory when a new state joins the union? Well, a federal law requires that the number of stars must equal the number of states. But the greater question remains: where would we put the new star?

Fear not, for mathematician Skip Garibaldi has created a computer program to figure out the most geometric — and aesthetically pleasing — layouts for the stars should this happen:

Enter the number of states, from one to a hundred, to see the best star patterns according to Garibaldi’s program.

Now we know what the new flag would look like if Puerto Rico becomes a state!

Via Slate.

3 Responses to “The N States of America”

  1. Apparently there are no valid patterns for 29, 69 or 87 stars.

  2. Geek in Heels:

    @Benjamin — Surely you didn’t click through all the numbers to figure this out? ;-)

  3. I wonder what will happen if DC ever gets voting rights. Does this mean we get a star on the flag too?!?! Do we become a state, or just finally receive representation…

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