Investigating our connection to the stars.

Astronomy is the oldest of the sciences, playing a central role in the history of science and the Knowledge Systems of traditional cultures of the world, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures of Australia. The canopy of stars serves as a time piece, a navigational aide, a map, a calendar, a memory space, a canvas on which we can create art, and a storyboard to narrate stories that give life meaning and purpose.

Understanding the complexity of the universe and our place in the cosmos merits research from both scientific and cultural perspectives. It is also critical to secure our view of the cosmos, which is being gradually erased by the glow of light pollution.

Our comprehensive program in Cultural & Indigenous Astronomy combines world-class teaching, research, public programs, professional development, and community engagement in the interdisciplinary fields of Indigenous astronomy, archaeoastronomy, astrosociology, dark sky studies, geomythology, social studies of outer space, the philosophy of science, and the history of astronomy.

Our work examines the myriad ways that observations of celestial objects and phenomena inform Knowledge Systems that guide cultural practices. We also research the impacts of light pollution and satellites, pedagogies for science education and communication, how psychology guides our views of the cosmos, and ancient records of geological and astronomical events encoded in oral tradition.

We host the world’s only comprehensive undergraduate and graduate teaching and research program in Cultural & Indigenous Astronomy, with the theme of Indigenous Knowledges and perspectives threaded throughout.

You can explore our various research areas and programs, see what study and degree options are available, and learn about the people working in this space, join our Graduate Seminar Series, or explore our research outputs.

Research

Our world-class research crosses a wide breadth of interdisciplinary approaches to better understand the role of astronomy in history, culture, and society, and how this can be shared with the public and safeguarded for future generations.

Study Programs

Our program in cultural and Indigenous astronomy offers students across the university an opportunity to pursue their interests in the topic from single subjects to full degree programs at all academic levels, from undergraduate to PhD to postdoc.

People

Our team of researchers, educators, students, and associates are delivering exciting research, education, and community programs and sharing their passion with academic and public audiences around the world.

Seminar Series

Our graduate seminar series deep-dives into theory, practice, method, application, professional development, and research analysis, ensuring everyone is well-versed in the tools and frameworks necessary to study the intersection of STEM and HASS disciplines.

Publications

Explore the research outputs of the group, including books, chapters, volumes, journal papers, proceedings, curricula, opinion pieces and more.

Public Programs

Explore public outputs and programs, including public talks, tourism, exhibitions, documentaries, commemorative coins, theatre productions, planetarium shows, star and asteroid names, and more.