Indigenous Australian Astronomy

Talk by Dr Pete Kuzma

Aboriginal people have strong connections to the land as Australia’s first peoples. They are also known as the first Astronomers, and through oral tradition, they pass down stories and beliefs that govern their way of life. The night sky played a significant part of their lives from navigation, when to hunt and gather, to spiritually connecting them to worlds beyond. I will be sharing their stories and connections to the Great Southern Skies, and what is currently being done in Australia to promote indigenous astronomy to the public.

I have been in Edinburgh for five years after completing my studies at the Australian National University. I study Galactic Archaeology, focusing in star clusters through large surveys such as the Gaia Space Mission at the University of Edinburgh. Since arriving in Scotland I have developed a liking for whisky and enjoyed the fact Australia has been in Eurovision since arriving here.