Van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' Found to Accurately Depict Complex Fluid Dynamics

New research reveals that the iconic painting captures patterns of turbulence described by scientific theories developed long after van Gogh's death.

Researchers from China and France have discovered that the swirling patterns in 'The Starry Night' align with Kolmogorov’s theory of turbulence.
The study, published in the journal Physics of Fluids, shows that van Gogh's brushstrokes depict fluid dynamics that were not scientifically described until years later.
The painting's depiction of whirls and eddies follows mathematical principles, suggesting van Gogh had an intuitive understanding of natural phenomena.
Scientists measured the sizes and relative distances of the swirls in the painting, finding them consistent with physical laws governing turbulent flows.
Despite the scientific accuracy, it remains uncertain whether van Gogh's portrayal of turbulence was intentional or a coincidence.