Lemniscate of Bernoulli
 

Bernoulli hyperbola inverse sketch
The curve called the Lemniscate of Bernoulli is depicted to the left along with its equation.  More details about this curve can be found in my book Playing with Dynamic Geometry, Chapter 15.


This curve is named after Jakob Bernoulli, an eminent 17th century mathematician and member of a famous family prominent in the sciences.  He described the curve as being shaped like a figure eight, a knot, or the bow of a ribbon.  Following the protocol of his day, he gave this curve the Latin name of lemniscus, which translates as a pendant ribbon to be fastened to a victor's garland.  Today, we know the curve as the Lemniscate of Bernoulli (pronounced lem·nis·cate).

The animations below are presented in pairs.  The first of the pairs is the basic geometric construction that either generates the Lemniscate or demonstrates one of its properties.  The second of the pairs is my “artistic” rendering based on that basic construction.


 

The Lemniscate of Bernoulli by Parametric Equation

The Lemniscate of Bernoulli by Parametric Equation art

The Lemniscate of Bernoulli as the Pedal Curve of a Hyperbola

The Lemniscate of Bernoulli as the Pedal Curve of a Hyperbola Art
 

The Lemniscate of Bernoulli from the Midpoint of a Line Segment

The Lemniscate of Bernoulli from the Midpoint of a Line Segment Art

Bernoulli Lemniscate  Osculating Circle

Bernoulli Lemniscate Osculating Circle Art
 

Bernoulli Lemniscate  Circumscribed Circle 1

Bernoulli Lemniscate  Circumscribed Circle 2

Lemniscate of Bernoulli 

Lemniscate of Bernoulli art
 

Bernoulli Lemniscate Envelope of Circles

Bernoulli Lemniscate Envelope of Circles Art

Bernoulli Hyperbola Inverse

Bernoulli Hyperbola Inverse Art

Bernoulli Cissoid of 2 Circles

Bernoulli Cissoid of 2 Circles Art