Who have broken the record? A team of Swiss scientists from the Center for Data Analysis, Visualization and Simulation (DAViS) at Graubuenden University of Applied Sciences, who used a supercomputer to calculate the mathematical constant pi to a new world-record level of precision, reaching 62.8 trillion figures , according to a press release (the previous record revealed “only” 50 trillion figures).
This irrational number, whose first digits are pi, whose first 10 digits are 3.141592653, is the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle, with an infinite number of digits after the decimal point. This makes determining that number an impressively difficult and time-consuming feat.
Swiss scientists spent 108 days working on this calculation, and they did it 3.5 times faster than the previous record set in 2020 by Timothy Mullican of the United States (and which took eight months to process the calculation).
Researchers have not revealed the exact numbers involved in the additional 12.8 trillion digits as they are waiting for the Guinness Book of Records to certify their achievement , but they say the last 10 digits they discovered are ‘7817924262’.
“The calculation showed us that we are prepared for intensive use of data and computing power in research and development. The calculation also made us aware of weaknesses in the infrastructure, such as insufficient backup capacity, “ explains project manager Thomas Keller.
The quest to continue exploring the upper limit of pi helps scientists test supercomputers and develop algorithms that can be used in advanced data analysis.
