History of the concept of nuclear shape

Abstract This article provides a comprehensive review of the evolution of the nuclear shape concept, a cornerstone in nuclear physics. Tracing its historical development from the early 20th century, we highlight key milestones and paradigm shifts that have shaped our understanding. The review explores the transition from the initial spherical model to the introduction of nuclear deformation, emphasizing the contributions of the liquid drop model and the unified model. The pivotal role of nuclear shapes in elucidating various nuclear phenomena and their profound impact on both theoretical and experimental nuclear physics are discussed in depth. The article underscores the relevance of nuclear shape in contemporary physics, particularly in light of groundbreaking findings from ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions. These recent results illustrate the enduring significance of nuclear shape in advancing our comprehension of nuclear structure and reactions.