Spherical harmonics are mathematical functions that describe how a shape, like a sphere, can be represented in terms of angles. They are used in various fields, including physics and engineering, to analyze phenomena that have spherical symmetry, such as gravitational fields or sound waves. These functions are defined on the surface of a sphere and can be combined to create complex shapes or patterns. Spherical harmonics are essential in areas like quantum mechanics, geophysics, and computer graphics, where they help in solving problems related to spherical coordinates and modeling three-dimensional objects.