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Frankenstein's Moon

What can astronomy tell us about great literature? Professor Don Olson, a forensic astronomer, reveals his celestial discoveries on Frankenstein and Hamlet.

What can astronomy tells us about great literature?

Forensic astronomer Don Olson tells Andrew Luck-Baker about two of his investigative cases. He explains how plotting the path of the moon in 1816 solved a controversy about Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein.

The Texas State University professor also outlines his theory that a star referred to in Shakespeare鈥檚 Hamlet was inspired by a spectacular supernova which blazed in sky one year during the playwright鈥檚 childhood.

(Image: Baron Frankenstein, played by Peter Cushing, leans over his monstor in the film The Curse of Frankenstein. Credit: Getty Images)

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18 minutes

Last on

Sun 16 Sep 2012 23:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Mon 10 Sep 2012 18:32GMT
  • Tue 11 Sep 2012 03:32GMT
  • Sun 16 Sep 2012 09:32GMT
  • Sun 16 Sep 2012 23:32GMT

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