Symmetry

We are familiar with three forms of symmetry, exhibited approximately in many natural and manufactured situations. They are

translational, reflectional, and rotational

symmetry.

Hermann Weyl's wonderful book Symmetry remains the best reference, though it places some mathematical demands on the reader.

Less familiar is symmetry under magnification: zooming in on an object leaves the shape approximately unaltered.

Here are two mountain scenes from the southwest. Click the left picture for an illustration of symmetry under magnification.

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