The sky is a common denominator

by Ajay Rau

We all live under the same sky and are intrigued by its beauty and mystery. We all love to swap stories about it. By doing so, we promote a greater appreciation of the depth and richness of different cultures such as the Australain Aborigine.

Through astronomy we can look for answers to the following questions?

• Are there cultures where astronomy is a central feature?

• Is there evidence that the complex motions of the sky have been recorded either verbally or in rock art or stone arrangements?

• Is there evidence that transient phenomena such as supernovae, comets, meteors were recorded?

The sky in Sydney!

We know that many traditional Australian Aboriginal cultures have an extensive knowledge of the sky and its features in their stories and songs.

We also know that the appearance of a star or constellation (e.g. the Emu in the Sky) was used to mark particular times of year when, food would be available, as a calender for a particular rite or ceremony, or when it was time to move to another more favourable area. But are these key parts of the culture or just a peripheral add-ons?

By working with communities (e.g. the Yolngu people at Yirrkala) we can record their stories and ceremonies (or at least, those that they are comfortable sharing with uninitiated people) which have an astronomical connection. For example, the important Morning-Star ceremony is almost unknown outside Arnhem Land.

Studying the artifacts of indigenous groups which have been severely damaged by European settlement (e.g. Sydney Rock Engravings, Victorian Stone Arrangements), we can see if there is evidence of an astronomical connection. For example, some of the Sydney Rock Engravings may be oriented so that they mirror the corresponding figures in the sky.

The Victorian stone arrangements seem to be carefully aligned to the cardinal points of the compass, and perhaps to rising and setting positions of the Sun. This would be invaluable in trying to understand and perhaps rebuild the astronomical cultures of Australian indigenous people.

The rock engravings at Ngaut Ngaut, SA, which are said to represent lunar cycles.

There are many tantalising examples like this throughout Australia which suggest that astronomy is an important part of many Australian Aboriginal cultures.

For more information check out the CSIRO site

Picture courtesy of Ray Norris of the CSIRO

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