The atomic whirl is the logo of the American Atheists, and has come to be used as a symbol of atheism in general. The Atomic Whirl is based on the well known Rutherford Atom, showing the orbital paths of electrons around the central nucleus. It is similar to the logos and symbols of the United States Atomic Energy Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency who also based their designs on the Rutherford Model. The symbol is used by the American Atheists organization to symbolize that "only through the use of scientific analysis and free, open inquiry can humankind reach out for a better life.".