The Dark Night Sky Paradox...

 The Dark Night Sky Paradox...


Astronomers have been wrestling with The Dark Night Sky Paradox for centuries. The famous thought experiment states that if there are an infinite number of stars in the galaxy and universe, then the night sky should be fully luminous with all the starlight, but it is not. Much of the night sky is, in fact, dark. There are several variations of the The Dark Night Sky Paradox, and many famous, and not-so-famous, astronomers have attempted solutions to the paradox. I will not embarrass myself by even trying to solve the paradox and leave any possible solution to the mysterious unknown.


Nevertheless, as Americans celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a remarkable milestone for any political document, I was privileged to witness, again an online video streaming, of the Summer Solstice sunrise at Stonehenge. I was not physically present at either of these places, for either of these events. However, using the wonders of modern science and technology, namely Windows PC laptops and the internet, I can enjoy and celebrate these events unlike previous generations and peoples.


Astronomy is often called "the first science." Man has been observing and studying the Sun, Moon, stars, planets and other heavenly bodies since the earliest times. Prehistoric Man used astronomy to better predict the migratory and mating habits of animals, when to gather nuts, roots, fruits and herbs, for travel navigational purposes, and when to seek shelter before the onset of the Winter months. Man used astronomy in ancient and medieval times for agriculture, navigation, war, and various social events. The Antikythera Mechanism which dates to the first century B.C. is often considered to be the first "computer" and calculated the positions of the Sun, Moon, and Planets.  


Throughout this time, Astronomy has incorporated itself into almost every aspect of our social institutions; including religion and politics. Using modern computer programs I can see the night sky as it appeared to those in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the night the Declaration of Independence was signed July 4th, 1776. I can, also, view the night sky over Washington D.C. during the recent July 4th, 2026 celebrations. Many Astronomers and Theologians try to understand and explain what, exactly, the Three Wise-men from the East of the Jesus Nativity story were witnessing and experiencing.


Nobody can say definitively who built the Megalithic Stone Structures at Stonehenge, or why they were built 5,000 years ago. The stone structures are aligned, specifically, with the sunrise on the Summer Solstice and the sunset of the Winter Solstice. It is surmised the prehistoric peoples associated these solar and astronomical events with religion, magic, healing, trade, and as a central news gathering place about recent events concerning nearby tribes, i.e. recent births, deaths, and marriages.


Today, Stonehenge is a legally protected place of worship for Neo-Pagans, Neo-Druids, some New Age Religion groups, and what is legally classified as Earth-based Religions and "Old Religions." I am a Christian Baptist with a B.A. Philosophy from Virginia Tech. In the interest of Inter-Faith Dialog I hope to be privileged to attend one of these sacred religious ceremonies at Stonehenge as a friend and observer. 


In conclusion, The Shenandoah Valley, where I currently live, is a Native American name meaning "beautiful daughter of the stars." If you live in a rural area I strongly recommend you take advantage of the lack of light-pollution from high-rise buildings and street lamps. A modern Windows PC Computer is invaluable for the study of Astronomy. With a Windows PC you will never miss any of the action in the night sky because of bad weather. There are online degrees in Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Space Science for all those interested in "the first science" and want to try his/her hand at solving The Dark Night Sky Paradox. 



The night sky as it appeared to those in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on the night the Declaration of Independence was signed July 4th, 1776:







The night sky over Stonehenge during the recent Summer Solstice June 21, 2026:






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