Mobius, August Ferdinand (1790-1868), was a German astronomer and mathematician. In mathematics, Mobius was one of the originators of a branch of geometry called topology. Topology deals with certain properties of geometric figures that cannot be changed by stretching, squeezing, or twisting the figures. For example, a doughnut, a DVD, and a coffee mug could be stretched or squeezed into each other’s shapes. They are thus considered topologically equivalent (see Topology ). The Mobius strip is named after the August Mobius. It is a strip of paper or other material that is given a half twist and then joined at the ends. The result has only one side (see Mobius strip ).
Mobius was born on Nov. 17, 1790, in Schulpforta, near Naumberg. He became a student at the University of Leipzig. In 1815, he was appointed professor of astronomy at the university. He remained there all his teaching life. Mobius died in Leipzig on Sept. 26, 1868.
See also Geometry ; Mathematics (In the 1800’s) .
