ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Adams-Novikov spectral sequence

So you know how sometimes we have to use a map to get to a place that's far away? Well, mathematicians have to use maps too, but instead of taking them to a place, it helps them see relationships between different math ideas.

One of these maps is called the Adams-Novikov Spectral Sequence, and it helps mathematicians study shapes called spheres. These spheres have different dimensions, like a ball is 3D, a circle is 2D and a line is 1D.

The Adams-Novikov Spectral Sequence helps mathematicians figure out what a sphere looks like from every possible perspective. It's like if you look at a ball from one spot, it looks round, but if you look at it from another spot, it might look more stretched out.

This map helps mathematicians see all those different views for every possible dimension of sphere. And the good news is, the more math we learn, the more we can understand this map and how it helps us learn more about spheres!