ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Minimal rational surface

Okay, imagine you want to draw a map of a flat surface, like a piece of paper. But you don't want it to be too complicated with lots of curves and bends. You want it to be as simple as possible. That's kind of like what a minimal rational surface is.

A minimal rational surface is a flat, two-dimensional shape that can be drawn with as few curves and bends as possible. This means it has the fewest possible "singularities" or points where it's not smooth. These points are like little bumps or dents that make it harder to draw or look at the surface.

The cool thing about minimal rational surfaces is that they can be made up of lots of simple shapes called "rational curves." These are like little straight or curved lines that you can connect together to make a larger shape.

Scientists and mathematicians like to study minimal rational surfaces because they can be used to explain other ideas in physics, geometry, and topology. Plus, they just look really cool!