Global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere

In summary, the conversation discusses the impossibility of setting up a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere due to the theorem of Borsuk-Ulam, which states that a continuous function from a 2-sphere to the Euclidean plane cannot be bijective. The conversation also discusses the use of two charts to overcome this impossibility, and the potential use of stereographic projection to cover the entire sphere.
  • #36
cianfa72 said:
Summary:: Formal proof that it does not exist a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere

So, from a formal mathematical point of view, how to prove it ? Just because there is not a (global) homeomorphism between the 2-sphere and the Euclidean plane ? Thanks.
the sphere is a compact set and a chart is not
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #37
jbergman said:
If there is a single chart for the 2-sphere then we could use that chart to define a non-vanishing vector field for every point on the sphere, i.e., just a vector in the direction of one of the coordinate axes.

We know this is impossible by the hairy ball theorem.
Just to add some detail to your claim. Suppose there is a single chart for the 2-sphere: we can use such chart to define a (one-chart) differentiable atlas for the 2-sphere (by definition a chart is compatible with itself).

Now, by definition, a vector field over the 2-sphere equipped with that 'one-chart atlas differentiable structure' is assigned through differentiable functions as its components. Take as non-vanishing vector field the vector field having the constant function 1 as the component in one of the coordinate axes and zero otherwise.

As you pointed out that is actually impossible for the 2-sphere by the hairy ball theorem.
 
Last edited:
  • #38
cianfa72 said:
Let's try to visualize it in 3D space. Suppose the 2-sphere is placed in 3D such that the plane ##x=0## is tangent to it on the "left side". Then, starting from the left, for each half-circle on ##x=c , c>0## planes assign coordinate ##s=c## to one half-circle and ##s=-c## to the other (proceed this way up to the 2-sphere "right side").

As above I believe it should result in a one-to-one map, however as you pointed out the image on ##\mathbb R^2## should be not an open set in ##\mathbb R^2## standard topology.

The goal was try to build a one-to-one map for the 2-sphere. As we know, however, it can never be a (global) chart for it.

Make sense ? Thank you in advance.
I haven't read the details but by Borsuk Up an, it is not possible.
 
<h2>1. What is a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere?</h2><p>A global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere is a way to represent points on a 2-sphere using two coordinates. It is similar to a map projection, where a curved surface is flattened onto a 2D plane. The coordinates are typically latitude and longitude, but other systems can also be used.</p><h2>2. How is a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere useful?</h2><p>A global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere is useful for navigation and location-based calculations on a spherical surface. It allows for easy visualization and measurement of distances and angles between points on the 2-sphere.</p><h2>3. What are the limitations of a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere?</h2><p>One limitation is that it can only represent points on a 2-sphere, and not on other curved surfaces. Another limitation is that it can introduce distortions and inaccuracies, especially near the poles of the 2-sphere.</p><h2>4. How is a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere related to the Earth's surface?</h2><p>A global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere is similar to the coordinate system used to map locations on the Earth's surface. However, the Earth is not a perfect sphere, so more complex coordinate systems, such as the WGS84 system, are used to account for its irregular shape.</p><h2>5. Can a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere be used for any size of 2-sphere?</h2><p>Yes, a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere can be used for any size of 2-sphere, as long as the coordinates are properly scaled. This means that the same coordinate system can be used for a small object, like a marble, as well as for a large object, like the Earth.</p>

1. What is a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere?

A global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere is a way to represent points on a 2-sphere using two coordinates. It is similar to a map projection, where a curved surface is flattened onto a 2D plane. The coordinates are typically latitude and longitude, but other systems can also be used.

2. How is a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere useful?

A global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere is useful for navigation and location-based calculations on a spherical surface. It allows for easy visualization and measurement of distances and angles between points on the 2-sphere.

3. What are the limitations of a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere?

One limitation is that it can only represent points on a 2-sphere, and not on other curved surfaces. Another limitation is that it can introduce distortions and inaccuracies, especially near the poles of the 2-sphere.

4. How is a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere related to the Earth's surface?

A global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere is similar to the coordinate system used to map locations on the Earth's surface. However, the Earth is not a perfect sphere, so more complex coordinate systems, such as the WGS84 system, are used to account for its irregular shape.

5. Can a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere be used for any size of 2-sphere?

Yes, a global coordinate chart on a 2-sphere can be used for any size of 2-sphere, as long as the coordinates are properly scaled. This means that the same coordinate system can be used for a small object, like a marble, as well as for a large object, like the Earth.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Differential Geometry
2
Replies
40
Views
6K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Topology and Analysis
Replies
12
Views
310
  • Topology and Analysis
2
Replies
61
Views
894
  • Differential Geometry
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Differential Geometry
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • Differential Geometry
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
11
Views
261
Back
Top