Australian Aboriginal Astronomy: Overview

TL;DR

This paper provides an overview of Aboriginal Australian astronomy, highlighting their sophisticated understanding of celestial phenomena used for practical purposes and cultural traditions.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive summary of traditional Aboriginal astronomical knowledge and practices, emphasizing their accuracy and cultural significance.

Findings

Aboriginal Australians used astronomy for calendar construction.

They recorded and measured cyclical celestial phenomena.

They accurately determined cardinal points within a few degrees.

Abstract

The traditional cultures of Aboriginal Australians include a significant astronomical component, perpetuated through oral tradition, ceremony, and art. This astronomical component includes a deep understanding of the motion of objects in the sky, and this knowledge was used for practical purposes, such as constructing calendars. There is also evidence that traditional Aboriginal Australians made careful records and measurements of cyclical phenomena, paid careful attention to unexpected phenomena such as eclipses and meteorite impacts, and could determine the cardinal points to an accuracy of a few degrees.