A distributed computing project leveraging idle CPU time from volunteers' computers has set a new verification record for the Goldbach Conjecture. The project, utilizing a novel grid computing approach, has confirmed the conjecture – which states that every even number greater than 2 can be expressed as the sum of two primes – up to 4 * 10^18 + 7 * 10^13. This surpasses previous verification efforts by a significant margin and demonstrates the potential of harnessing distributed computing power for tackling complex mathematical problems.
Vacheron Constantin has unveiled the Les Cabinotiers Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication 3600, claiming the title of world's most complicated wristwatch. This unique piece boasts 23 complications displayed on its front and back dials, driven by a single, highly complex movement comprising 514 components. These complications include numerous astronomical indications, such as solar time, sidereal time, equation of time, sunrise and sunset times, perpetual calendar, and tide levels, packaged within a remarkably slim 13.6mm case.
HN commenters generally express awe at the technical achievement of the watch, but also skepticism about its practicality and value. Several question the purpose of such extreme complication, suggesting it's more a demonstration of engineering prowess than a genuinely useful timepiece. Some find the design aesthetically overwhelming, while others appreciate the artistry. The high price tag draws predictable criticism, with some comparing it to the cost of a house or other more practical investments. A few commenters delve into the diminishing returns of extreme watchmaking, arguing that the added complexity likely comes at the expense of reliability and serviceability. There's also discussion around the target audience for such a watch, with speculation that it's primarily aimed at ultra-high-net-worth individuals for whom price is no object.
The French tokamak WEST (Tungsten Environment in Steady-state Tokamak) has set a new world record for plasma duration in a fusion reactor, achieving a plasma discharge lasting 390 seconds. This surpasses the previous record and represents a significant milestone in the development of sustainable fusion energy. The long duration demonstrates WEST's ability to handle the extreme heat and power fluxes associated with fusion reactions, crucial for future reactors like ITER and ultimately, the production of clean energy. This achievement validates design choices and material selections, particularly the tungsten walls, paving the way for longer, higher-performance plasma discharges.
HN commenters discuss the significance of the WEST tokamak achieving a 100+ second plasma discharge, emphasizing that while it's a step forward in sustained fusion, it's far from achieving net energy gain. Several point out that maintaining plasma temperature and stability for extended periods is crucial but distinct from generating more energy than is input. Some debate the true meaning of "world record," noting that other reactors have achieved higher temperatures or different milestones. Others express skepticism about the overall viability of fusion energy due to the ongoing technical challenges and massive resource requirements. There's also some discussion of alternative fusion approaches like stellarators and inertial confinement. Overall, the sentiment is cautious optimism tempered by a realistic understanding of the long road ahead for fusion power.
Summary of Comments ( 85 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43734583
Hacker News users discuss the computational resources used for the Goldbach conjecture verification, questioning the value and novelty of the achievement. Some commenters express skepticism about the significance of extending the verification limit, arguing that it doesn't contribute significantly to proving the conjecture itself. Others point out the inefficiency of the distributed grid computing approach compared to more optimized single-machine implementations. A few users discuss the specific hardware and software used in the project, including the use of BOINC and GPUs, while others debate the proper way to credit contributors in such distributed projects. Several commenters express concern about the lack of available source code and details on the verification methodology, hindering independent verification and analysis.
The Hacker News post discussing the new world record for verifying Goldbach's Conjecture has a modest number of comments, mostly focusing on the technical aspects of the distributed computing approach used and the nature of the conjecture itself.
Several commenters delve into the specifics of the grid computing system employed. One user questions the efficiency gains of this distributed approach compared to utilizing a single, powerful machine, highlighting potential overheads associated with network communication and data transfer. Another commenter speculates on the possibility of optimizing the verification process further by leveraging SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data) instructions, potentially leading to even faster computation times. There's also a brief discussion regarding the memory requirements of such an endeavor, with one commenter suggesting that RAM limitations wouldn't be a major hurdle.
Another thread of discussion revolves around the mathematical implications of the Goldbach Conjecture and the nature of "proof" versus "verification." One commenter points out that while the project provides further strong evidence supporting the conjecture, it doesn't constitute a mathematical proof. They elaborate on the difference between verifying the conjecture up to a certain limit and proving it for all even numbers greater than 2. Another user concurs, adding that despite the impressive scale of the verification, it remains "an interesting data point, not a mathematical breakthrough."
A few comments address the practicalities of the project. One user asks about the availability of the source code, indicating an interest in examining the implementation details. Another commenter questions the overall value of the project, expressing skepticism about the scientific merit of merely pushing the verification limit higher.
Finally, there are some brief exchanges regarding the history of the Goldbach Conjecture and previous attempts to verify it. One commenter mentions a prior effort using BOINC (Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing) and inquires about the differences between that project and the one discussed in the article.
In summary, the comments section provides a mix of technical insights into the distributed computing aspect of the project, discussions about the mathematical nature of the Goldbach Conjecture, and some pragmatic questions regarding the project's implementation and significance. While there isn't a single overwhelmingly compelling comment, the collective discussion offers a nuanced perspective on the achievement and its limitations.