The period between the fall of classical civilization and the Renaissance is commonly referred to as the Dark Ages. The Roman empire didn't just suddenly disappear overnight, though. What was left of it became the Byzantine empire which endured until the 15th century.
You're not wrong in thinking that astronomy was set back during the Dark Ages, all science was as any kind of original thought was discouraged by the church, especially that which conflicted with the Bible. Much of the Greek and Roman knowledge of astronomy was kept alive by the Arab people which is why in modern astronomy we see a curious mix of Greek constellation names and Arabic star names. More.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.