Celestial Sleuth

The consistently fascinating Smithsonian magazine carries an article this month about forensic astronomer Donald Olson, who uses his knowledge of astronomy to solve conundrums or provide new interpretations for works of literature, art, and history. For example, in the case of Munch's The Scream



it has often been argued that the turbulent, roiling nature of the sky was intended by Munch to reflect the inner turmoil of the protagonist. According to Olson, however,

" . . . the painting's blood-red sky was no metaphor but the extraordinary aftereffects of the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa in Indonesia, which sent so much gas and ash into the atmosphere that skies were darkened or colored worldwide for many months."

Similarly, a quick check on the celestial calendar enabled Olson and his students to identify the "star" in van Gogh's White House at Night



as Venus. Not a star at all, but a planet.

Of course, he hasn't yet managed to identify the stars in this one:



but I'm sure it's only a matter of time.