Stories from the Sky: Astronomy in Indigenous Knowledge

TL;DR

This paper explores how Indigenous Australian storytelling integrates astronomy with traditional knowledge, highlighting the deep historical and cultural understanding of the sky among First Australians.

Contribution

It presents a detailed examination of Indigenous Australian astronomy, emphasizing its role as a form of science intertwined with storytelling and cultural practices.

Findings

Indigenous stories encode astronomical knowledge.

Traditional practices demonstrate sophisticated understanding of celestial phenomena.

Cultural narratives serve as educational tools for astronomical awareness.

Abstract

Indigenous Australian practices, developed and honed over thousands of years, weave science with storytelling. In this Indigenous science series, we'll look at different aspects of First Australians' traditional life and uncover the knowledge behind them - starting today with astronomy.