Optimal distribution of points over the surface of a sphere

Question

How can one generate a distribution of N points over the surface of a sphere so that the all N voronoi cells have the same area? Which is the best algorithm for this?

Answer 1

The following is a classical paper on distributing points on a sphere:

Edward Saff, Arno Kuijlaars, Distributing Many Points on a Sphere, The Mathematical Intelligencer, Volume 19, Number 1, 1997, pages 5-11.

Answer 2

A simple solution places the points evenly around the equator, i.e., point $i$ at longitude $2\pi i/N$ and latitude 0. As required, the Voronoi cells will have the same area, $4\pi r^2/N$; they are sectors with two vertices at the poles, i.e., the arrangement looks like a beach ball. This satisfies the question as you stated it, but I doubt it's what you want, because the title says you're looking for an optimal distribution.