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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.

  • Benjamin B

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

    June 10, 2010 at 2:24 pm Reply
  • Geek in Heels

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

    June 10, 2010 at 9:43 pm Reply
  • Christiana

    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…

    June 13, 2010 at 9:01 pm Reply
  • Frances

    Puerto Rico deserve it because Puerto Ricans fight in the war for USA and the stupid congress don’t want to give them statehood, Puerto Ricas voted for statehood and won the 61%.

    June 16, 2013 at 11:49 am Reply

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