First Knowledges Astronomy

I found this book compelling because Noon and De Napoli, both Indigenous astronomers, combine their Western scientific knowledge with First Nations cultural knowledge. I was particularly moved by reading about their different but connected personal journeys. Despite prejudice and disadvantage, each was determined to pursue tertiary education and careers in Western astronomy and maintain and communicate the sky knowledge systems of Aboriginal communities.  They unite in presenting astronomy as land and sky together in one cosmology. 

I liked this book because it felt very personal. The occasional, justified critique of Australian society and historical events makes it authentic. I often… show more.

I loved this book for uncovering the incredibly ancient wisdom the indigenous peoples of Australia have around the sky, some of which is only now being “discovered” by astronomers. 

Written by two indigenous women, one an astronomer, and the other an astrophysicist, they take a broad look at indigenous astronomy and its interrelationship with daily life, the seasons, weather predictions, and food availability, as well as various implications in today’s world.

Most fascinating is how the stars were used as maps across the land, each star indicating a place on the path and containing layers of stories that would guide… show more.