‘The Starry Night’ Painting Helps Discover a New Quantum Vortex
by Jaymie Johns
August 10, 2025
OSAKA, Japan — In a remarkable fusion of art and science, a new study published in Nature Physics on August 5, 2025, has revealed a novel quantum phenomenon that echoes the swirling crescent moon depicted in Vincent van Gogh’s 1889 masterpiece, The Starry Night. Led by Associate Professor Hiromitsu Takeuchi at Osaka Metropolitan University, the research team has identified a unique type of quantum vortex, termed eccentric fractional skyrmions (EFSs), formed through the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI) in a multi-component Bose–Einstein condensate. This discovery not only confirms the presence of KHI in quantum fluids but also holds transformative potential for fields like spintronics and nonlinear dynamics, while drawing an unexpected parallel to the turbulent skies of van Gogh’s iconic painting.
The Kelvin–Helmholtz instability is a well-known phenomenon in classical fluid dynamics, observed when two fluid layers move past each other at different velocities, generating wave-like patterns. These patterns are familiar in everyday life, appearing in the curling crests of ocean waves, the billowing edges of clouds, or the ripples formed when wind blows over water. However, in quantum fluids—such as Bose–Einstein condensates or superfluids, which operate under the rules of quantum mechanics and exhibit zero viscosity—the existence of KHI has been a subject of intense debate. Quantum fluids, cooled to temperatures near absolute zero (approximately -273.15°C), behave in ways that defy classical physics, flowing without friction and displaying unique quantum properties.
To explore whether KHI could manifest in such an exotic environment, Takeuchi’s team conducted a sophisticated experiment using lithium atoms cooled to within a fraction of a degree above absolute zero. They created a multi-component Bose–Einstein condensate, a state of matter where multiple quantum fluids coexist and overlap, each moving at a distinct velocity. As the boundary between these fluids began to destabilize, it initially produced ripples reminiscent of classical KHI. But as the system evolved, the quantum nature of the fluids took over, leading to the formation of unexpected structures: crescent-shaped vortices known as eccentric fractional skyrmions (EFSs).
Unlike traditional skyrmions—topological structures commonly studied in magnetic systems, characterized by symmetrical spin configurations—EFSs are distinctly asymmetric. These crescent-shaped vortices contain embedded singularities, points where the spin structure undergoes sharp distortions, breaking from the smooth patterns typically seen in quantum systems. Even more intriguing, EFSs carry half the elementary charge, making them fractional in a way that challenges existing classifications of quantum topological structures.
Lead researcher Hiromitsu Takeuchi highlighted the visual similarity to van Gogh’s work: “The large crescent moon in the upper right corner of The Starry Night bears a striking resemblance to the shape of these eccentric fractional skyrmions. While van Gogh couldn’t have known about quantum physics, his depiction of turbulent, swirling patterns seems to capture the essence of these quantum vortices.” This connection underscores a profound interplay between artistic intuition and scientific discovery, suggesting that universal patterns may link disparate domains of human experience.
Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, painted during his stay at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, is renowned for its vivid portrayal of a turbulent night sky, with swirling stars, a glowing crescent moon, and a sense of dynamic motion. Art historians have long interpreted the painting as a reflection of van Gogh’s emotional turmoil, but its swirling patterns now find an unexpected echo in the quantum realm. This isn’t the first time The Starry Night has been linked to scientific phenomena. Previous studies have noted similarities between its turbulent patterns and mathematical models of fluid dynamics, such as Kolmogorov’s theory of turbulence. However, the current study marks the first direct connection to quantum physics, offering a tangible link between a 19th-century artwork and cutting-edge research in the 21st century.
The discovery of EFSs has far-reaching implications for applied physics. One of the most promising areas is spintronics, a field that leverages the spin of particles to develop next-generation technologies for data storage and processing. Unlike traditional electronics, which rely on the movement of electric charges, spintronics uses the intrinsic spin of particles, offering the potential for faster, more energy-efficient devices. The unique properties of EFSs, with their fractional charge and asymmetric structure, could enable new approaches to designing spintronic devices, potentially revolutionizing computing technologies.
Beyond spintronics, the study confirms the universality of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, demonstrating that it operates in both classical and quantum systems. This finding bridges a critical gap in our understanding of fluid dynamics across different physical regimes. Moreover, the identification of EFSs raises new questions about nonlinear dynamics in topological quantum systems. The singularities within these vortices suggest complex interactions that could lead to novel phenomena, prompting researchers to rethink how quantum systems evolve under instability.
Takeuchi’s team is already planning follow-up experiments to build on their findings. One goal is to test century-old predictions about KHI, such as the specific wavelengths and frequencies at which instabilities form. These predictions, rooted in classical fluid dynamics, have yet to be fully explored in quantum contexts, and the current study provides a foundation for such investigations. Additionally, the researchers aim to search for similar vortex structures in other quantum fluids, such as superfluid helium or ultracold atomic gases, to determine whether EFSs are a universal feature of quantum systems under KHI.
The team’s work also opens the door to studying other topological defects in quantum fluids. By manipulating the conditions of Bose–Einstein condensates—such as altering the relative velocities of the fluid components or introducing external fields—scientists may uncover additional novel structures, further expanding the catalog of quantum phenomena.
The connection between The Starry Night and eccentric fractional skyrmions serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of art, science, and nature. Van Gogh’s intuitive depiction of turbulence, born from his observation of the world and his inner vision, aligns with patterns now observed in the subatomic realm. This discovery, published in Nature Physics, not only advances our understanding of quantum physics but also invites us to reconsider how creativity and scientific inquiry can converge to reveal universal truths.
For researchers, students, and enthusiasts of physics, the full study is available in Nature Physics. Additional information can be found through Osaka Metropolitan University’s research portal. As science continues to explore the mysteries of the quantum world, van Gogh’s The Starry Night stands as a timeless testament to the beauty of patterns that transcend time and discipline.
