Astronomers challenge dating of Van Gogh’s Starry Night

Study suggests much-loved work was based on a real dawn sky in July 1889 rather than just the artist’s rich imaginationIt was long assumed to be a product of Vincent van Gogh’s rich imagination – but scientific sleuthing now suggests The Starry Night may be based on a real dawn sky. Researchers say the celestial bodies depicted in the famous painting match the sky the Dutch artist may have seen on about 22 July 1889, a month later than the usual date given for the work.