When studying resonance, the topic of synchronization comes up. In nature, even though there is no entity that directs or sends commands, it seems that timing, periods, and rhythms can match up. Some mechanisms have been elucidated, while others are still unknown, but it is strange that each one acts individually and then suddenly synchronizes.
Vibration Synchronization
There seems to be a phenomenon where things that initially move independently but oscillate gradually become closer in rhythm over time, eventually synchronizing with the same rhythm and amplitude. This seems to be the case for the pendulums of a pendulum clock hanging on the same wall, or the hands of a metronome placed on the same desk or board, where the vibrations and sound waves interfere with each other and synchronize. Since it is believed that materials and phenomena move towards a more stable state, perhaps if we consider amplitude motion as a whole, synchronized things are more stable. There seems to be less energy loss.
Group Synchronization
Certain species of fireflies gather in forests and along rivers at night, where thousands of them light up at the same time, as if they had coordinated their actions. Fireflies visually detect the light of other fireflies and adjust their timing to match it. Frogs also gather in ponds and swamps during the rainy season and start croaking all at once. They start out all alone, but gradually they get into rhythm and start singing in unison. It seems that both fireflies and frogs are courting each other, and it’s said that it’s easier for females to find them if they’re all in unison. It’s true that if they are all lined up, you’ll be able to find them even if they’re a little far away.
Synchronicity of timing
It seems that the timing of flowering in a region is synchronized, and some plants bloom all at once once every few years to several decades. Although it seems that much depends on the temperature, the cherry blossom season seems to be consistent in each region, and some bamboos have a 60-year or 120-year cycle. Blooming all at once means that fruits and seeds are produced all at once, so even if some of the seeds are eaten, there is an advantage in that the survival rate of the seeds is increased. In comparison, bamboo seems to die after flowering, so the synchronization of bamboo all flowering and then dying at the same time seems somewhat mysterious.
Synchronicity within the body
It seems that the brain’s nerve cells transmit and process information by firing in sync. This brain synchronization appears to be expressed as brain waves. When we are sleeping, the synchronization is slower, but when we are concentrating, it seems to be at a faster tempo. A faster tempo would increase the number of times information is processed, and it may be easier to match information from distant areas such as vision and hearing. Also, by matching the rhythm of conversation with other people, it seems that our brain waves also synchronize with those of other people. It may be that we get along well, that we are on the same wavelength.
It is said that not only brainwaves but also human heart rates synchronize when listening to the same story. Even if you are far away and don’t feel very emotional, it can happen. It may be connected to the sense of unity and security that comes from seeing and hearing the same thing.
Synchronicity between celestial bodies
Tidal forces act on each other’s bodies due to their mutual gravity. Tidal forces are a force that tries to deform the shape of a celestial body due to the gravitational pull of the celestial body, slowing down its rotation period. If this force continues to act, the rotation period and revolution period of the celestial body will be synchronized.
The reason why the Moon always moves with the same side facing the Earth is because the Earth’s rotation period and the Moon’s orbital period are 1:1. Other examples include the orbital periods of Jupiter’s moons being 1:2:4, and the orbital periods of Neptune and Pluto being 2:3. The synchronization of celestial bodies is truly magnificent.
Synchronicity is amazing
In addition, the movements of migratory birds and schools of fish, which seem to be coordinated, may also be a form of synchronization. The phenomenon of synchronization seems mysterious, but the microscopic world is also inseparable from waves, and I feel that synchronization has a great power. Synchronization is amazing. There are many types of synchronization on Earth that are amazing.
