olbers' paradox
C2Technical / Academic
Definition
Meaning
A paradox in astrophysics concerning the darkness of the night sky, which asks why the sky is dark if the universe is infinite and filled with stars.
The paradox, named after astronomer Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers, points to an inconsistency between the observed darkness of the night sky and the assumption of an infinite, eternal, and uniformly populated universe with stars. Its resolution helped shape modern cosmology, indicating a finite, expanding universe with a finite age.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in physics, astronomy, and cosmology. Always appears as a proper noun with the possessive 'Olbers'' (sometimes written as 'Olbers's paradox').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Spelling of 'paradox' is identical. The possessive apostrophe may be handled slightly differently in writing, but both regions typically use 'Olbers' paradox'.
Connotations
Neutral, specific to a scientific concept.
Frequency
Exclusively used in academic/technical contexts. No notable frequency difference between regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] resolves/explains/discusses Olbers' paradox.Olbers' paradox [Verb: states, asks, suggests].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in astrophysics and cosmology lectures to discuss the history and implications for understanding the universe's structure and age.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Key concept in cosmology; discussed in research papers and textbooks on astronomy and physics.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Olbers' paradox is an interesting idea from astronomy.
- Scientists used Olbers' paradox to challenge older models of the universe.
- The resolution of Olbers' paradox, involving the finite age and expansion of the universe, is a cornerstone of modern cosmology.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Olbers' Opaque Paradox: Think of an old (Olbers) astronomer wondering why the sky isn't overwhelmingly bright (opaque with light), which is paradoxical.
Conceptual Metaphor
An unresolved riddle / A key to the universe's history.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'Olbers' (it's a proper name).
- Avoid mistaking 'paradox' for 'paradigm' (парадигма). The correct translation is 'парадокс'.
Common Mistakes
- Writing 'Olber's paradox' or 'Olber paradox' (correct is 'Olbers' paradox').
- Using it as a general term for any astronomical mystery.
Practice
Quiz
What field of study is primarily concerned with Olbers' paradox?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers was a German physician and astronomer who formally stated the paradox in 1823, though others had noted it earlier.
The universe is not infinitely old, and it is expanding. The finite speed of light and the finite age of stars mean light from infinitely distant stars has not had time to reach us.
The paradox itself is a logical argument based on certain assumptions. Its resolution shows those assumptions (infinite, static universe) are incorrect, making it a historically important thought experiment.
Rarely. It might appear metaphorically in philosophical discussions about perception and infinity, but its primary use is strictly scientific.