The fine structure constant α = 1/137.036 represents a rotation rate rather than a velocity ratio. A formula connecting α to the Coxeter optimal-packing angle and the golden ratio achieves precision matching recent Penning trap measurements.
The fine structure constant α = 1/137.036 represents a rotation rate rather than a velocity ratio. This paper presents a mathematical formula connecting the constant to the Coxeter optimal-packing angle and the golden ratio, achieving precision matching recent experimental measurements from Penning trap experiments. The reinterpretation reframes Sommerfeld's original insight and connects α to de Broglie's geometric picture of the electron.