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pg_saff.py

An implementation of an "Easy method for a fairly good point distribution [Saff/Kuijlaars]" mentioned on the Sphere Distribution Problems page. The points are distributed in a spherical spiral. The images below show the points as equal sized balls, with the two nearest balls just touching.

pg_saff.py 200
200 points (side)		 pg_saff.py 1000
1000 points (above)		 pg_saff.py 1000
1000 points joined consecutively

Thanks to Anton Sherwood for passing on the correction made to the reference I used for this distribution.

Program Help

usage: pg_saff.py [options] num_points

options\n"\
-h       this help message
-o file  write output to file, if this option is not used
         the program writes to standard output.
         
Distribute num_points (default 20) on a sphere using the algorithm
from "Distributing many points on a sphere" by E.B. Saff and
A.B.J. Kuijlaars, Mathematical Intelligencer 19.1 (1997) 5--11.



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