The First Astronomers: How Indigenous Elders read the stars

Europe/Zurich
40/S2-C01 - Salle Curie (CERN)

40/S2-C01 - Salle Curie

CERN

115
Show room on map
Michael Hoch (Florida State University (US))
Description

Abstract: Our eyes have been drawn away from the heavens to our screens. We no longer look to the sky to forecast the weather, predict the seasons or plant our gardens. Most of us cannot even see the Milky Way. But First Nations Elders of the world still maintain this knowledge, and there is much we can learn from them. These Elders are expert observers of the stars. They teach that everything on the land is reflected in the sky, and everything in the sky is reflected on the land. How does this work, and how can we better understand our place in the universe? University of Melbourne astronomer Duane Hamacher will discuss the scientific knowledge developed by First Nations peoples, and how these living systems of knowledge challenge conventional ideas about the nature of science and the longevity of oral tradition. The First Astronomers shows us how respectful collaborations can drive exciting and innovative solutions to global challenges that impact us all.

 

Websitewww.thefirstastronomers.com

 

Speaker: Duane Hamacher is Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy in the ASTRO-3D Centre of Excellence and the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne in Australia, and a CAPAS Fellow at the Käte Hamburger Centre for Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Studies at Heidelberg University in Germany.

ORIGIN dialogue session
Zoom Meeting ID
63065332514
Host
Michael Hoch
Useful links
Join via phone
Zoom URL
    • 5:00 PM 5:10 PM
      Welcome / Introduction to Prof. Duane Hamacher 10m

      Duane Hamacher is Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy in the ASTRO-3D Centre of Excellence and the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne in Australia, and a CAPAS Fellow at the Käte Hamburger Centre for Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Studies at Heidelberg University in Germany

    • 5:10 PM 6:00 PM
      The First Astronomers: How Indigenous Elders read the stars 50m

      Our eyes have been drawn away from the heavens to our screens. We no longer look to the sky to forecast the weather, predict the seasons or plant our gardens. Most of us cannot even see the Milky Way. But First Nations Elders of the world still maintain this knowledge, and there is much we can learn from them. These Elders are expert observers of the stars. They teach that everything on the land is reflected in the sky, and everything in the sky is reflected on the land. How does this work, and how can we better understand our place in the universe? University of Melbourne astronomer Duane Hamacher will discuss the scientific knowledge developed by First Nations peoples, and how these living systems of knowledge challenge conventional ideas about the nature of science and the longevity of oral tradition. The First Astronomers shows us how respectful collaborations can drive exciting and innovative solutions to global challenges that impact us all.

      Website: www.thefirstastronomers.com

    • 6:00 PM 6:20 PM
      Dialogue Discussion Session with Artists: Cameron Robbins and Brodie Ellis /AUS 20m

      https://frac-alsace.org/prog/marche-nocturne/