Random distribution of Mersenne primes does indeed mean we may not find
another one for years, but it also means we may find the next two just a few
weeks apart.
There is also a nearly random order in which the first-time LL tests are
_completed_. Assignments are being given out around exponent 12.8 million,
but there are 9737 uncompleted in the 11-12 million range and 3496 in the
10-11 million range, as well as over a thousand below that... not to mention
the handful below M(39?). We could easily be unlucky enough to have 'skipped
over' one already, in which case it could be reported in any day now.
(And don't forget... one could have been found recently that hasn't been
published yet!)
Steve Harris
-----Original Message-----
From: Brian J. Beesley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Thursday, May 17, 2001 4:35 PM
<snip>
Maybe M39(?) is not massively overdue, but I think it is at least
about due now. However, random distribution means we could be unlucky
& not find another prime for two more years, or possibly even
longer... A new discovery would give the project a shot in the arm,
though!
Regards
Brian Beesley
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