The butterfly effect is a scientific concept coined 50 years ago today, and it has become a literary and metaphorical term to describe the idea that the smallest change may have massive, worldwide implications. It is often associated with chaos theory. American mathematician and meteorologist Edward Norton Lorenz theorized that the flapping of a butterfly"s wings, like those of the silver-studded blue butterflies you see in today"s image, could weeks later influence the formation of a tornado.
Silver-studded blue butterflies
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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The crossroads of empires
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico
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The buzz about bees
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Wander the ancient medina
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Silent night, sparkling lights, and hearts full of joy
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Union Square, Manhattan
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They’re grrrape!
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Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, China
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Salmon return to the Copper River
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Banggai cardinalfish with sea anemone
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I see one!
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Salzburg, Austria
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Humpback whales in Maui, Hawaii
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Salt evaporation ponds on the island of Gozo, Malta
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Merry Christmas
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Rocky mountain pi
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The last thing seen by Wile E. Coyote
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World Penguin Day
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Let the games begin
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Methoni Castle, Messenia, Greece
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Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch on the institution s 175th anniversary
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Looking back on 150 years of rail travel
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St. James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
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Eben Ice Caves, Upper Peninsula, Michigan
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World Wildlife Day
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Iceland awaits the Yule Lads
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I m here! Take a look at me!
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International Day of the Tropics
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Who s hiding in the kelp?
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Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast
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