> "two of KIC 5520878’s characteristic frequencies—with a 4.05- and a 6.41-hour cycle, respectively—had a ratio of 1.58, close to the golden mean, an irrational number,"
there are lots of things in nature - and everywhere - that are "close to" the golden ratio, but few that are extremely, tantalizingly close. 1.58 is not close; there's no story here. call me when it's 1.618*
Just to clarify. We first saw that the ratio was "near" the golden mean. The closer one comes to that ratio the more likely one will see "strange non chaotic behavior". So yes I agree it is just close (although now there seem to be hundreds clumping just above and just below the golden mean and we think we have a dynamical reason why but are still running simulations). Thus near golden mean -> higher probability of seeing SNC which is what we saw. It is evidence in support that we are near enough to the golden mean to be irrational enough to see SNC behavior.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Bill Ditto
Univ. of Hawaii at Manoa
there are lots of things in nature - and everywhere - that are "close to" the golden ratio, but few that are extremely, tantalizingly close. 1.58 is not close; there's no story here. call me when it's 1.618*
see #5 here [1]
[1] http://www.goldennumber.net/golden-ratio-myth/