Forensic astronomer solves Monet mystery
Dr. Don Olson is one of the world's leading experts in "Forensic Astronomy," which is the science of solving puzzles using the sky.
He's created several special computer programs which map ancient star charts and he augments this data with historical records, letters, photos, weather charts and tidal patterns to determine how and why certain events in history occurred.
These tools have helped him solve hundreds of mysteries from the past, including why The U.S.S Indianapolis sank, where the moon was positioned on Paul Revere's famous ride, what astronomical anomaly occurred when Edvard Munch painted "The Scream," and now the exact moment that Claude Monet created a masterpiece that launched the entire movement of Impressionism.
Listen to the audio to hear how he did it.
• Hear an extended interview with Don Olson from A Beautiful World.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.