Events

Cultural Astronomy School

Location

David Caro Building (School of Physics), University of Melbourne

Dates

2-4 July 2025

Description

The 3-day School will offer 25 students an opportunity to learn about cultural astronomy from the world’s top experts and Elders by attending a series of focused lectures, discussions, workshops, and local site visits. Evening events include a Dinner with Trivia at University House, a telescope observing session, and an evening at the Planetarium with dinner at Grazeland.

Instructors (TBC)

Jarita Holbrook
Duane Hamacher
Clive Ruggles
Annette Lee
Alejandro Martin-Lopez
Georg Zotti
More TBA

Full Schedule

[TBA]

Day 1: History, Theory, & Method

This day will focus on learning the history of cultural astronomy, theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and an advanced workshop using Stellarium. A dinner and trivia event will be held that evening at University House.

Day 2: Ethnoastronomy & Qualitative Analysis

This day will focus on students learning qualitative analysis and ethnographic approaches to cultural astronomy, with a workshop on co-designing projects with communities, ethics, and collaborative approaches. A telescope observing session will follow that evening.

Day 3: Archaeoastronomy & Quantitative Analysis

This day will focus on students learning quantitative analysis and archaeological approaches to cultural astronomy, professional development (grants, career trajectories) and a site visit. Attendees will visit Melbourne Planetarium in the evening, followed by dinner at Grazeland.

Registration

Register for this event here.

Paid registration includes the following:

Swag Bag
All lectures, workshops, and discussions
Morning and afternoon tea
Dinner and trivia on 2 July
Telescope viewing
Site visit
Planetarium show and Grazeland entry ticket

Paid registration does NOT includes the following:

Daily lunches
Dinner on 3 July
Dinner at Grazeland (only entry ticket provided)

Symposium

Location

Parkville Campus, University of Melbourne

Dates

7-11 July 2025

Description & Themes

The theme of the meeting is “Indigenous Astronomy in the Space Age”, focusing on how to apply research in cultural astronomy to address important issues humanity faces as we expand our presence in space, conduct inclusive and respectful research, and safeguard our collective heritage for the future. This meeting will bring together astrophysicists, social scientists, and Indigenous Elders to discuss a range of topics related to the intersection of astronomy, space exploration, culture, and society.

Sessions and events will be grouped into themes. The following are the initial proposed themes, but they may change:

Speaker Sessions

Theoretical Frameworks
Methods, Tools & Technologies
Collaboration & Education
Spirituality & Religion
Art, Music & Performance
Architecture & Built Environments
Safeguarding Dark & Quiet Skies
Astro-Space Futures
Decolonising the Astronomy/Space Sectors

Workshop Sessions

Practice & Protocols in Cultural Astronomy
Safeguarding Astronomical and Cultural Heritage
Breaking Barriers & Shattering Glass Ceilings

Panel Discussions, Exhibitions, and Performances

Indigenous Astronomy in the Space Age (Panel Discussion)
Kapemni: As Above, So Below (Performance)
Banumbirr: The Morning Star (Performance)
Star Knowledge of the Torres Strait (Exhibition)
The Future of Cultural Astronomy (President's Lecture)

Full Schedule

[TBC]

06 July: Public Lecture and telescope Viewing at Melbourne Observatory

On the Sunday evening before the start of the symposium, meeting attendees are welcome to join the Astronomical Society of Victoria's sponsored public lecture on Indigenous Astronomy to kick off NAIDOC Week, followed by a telescope viewing at the historic Melbourne Observatory, both situated in the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens.

07 July: Welcome, Sessions and Workshop

The first day will include sessions on [TBA], with a workshop on [TBA].

08 July: Sessions and Workshop

The second day will include sessions on [TBA], with a workshop on [TBA]

09 July: ISAAC GM and Exploring Melbourne

The third day will begin with a GM for ISAAC, followed by a cultural astronomy-themed scavenger hunt across Melbourne. Those who wish to organise their own day trips are welcome to.

10 July: Sessions and Workshop

The fourth day will include sessions on [TBA], with a workshop on [TBA], ending with the Conference Dinner and Awards ceremony.

11 July: Panels, Performances, Exhibitions and President's Lecture

The final day will focus on Indigenous performances, an art exhibition, panel discussions, and a concluding lecture by the outgoing ISAAC president. The evening includes an optional trip to Melbourne Planetarium with dinner at Grazeland.

Registration

Register for this event here.

Post-Conference Excursion

Location

Uluru to Alice Springs

Northern Territory, Australia

Dates

13-15 July 2025

Description

The post-conference excursion will bring visitors to the heart of Australia. From Melbourne, we will fly to the World Heritage site of Uluru-Kata Kuta, visitors will spend a day exploring the breathtaking landscapes, culture, and skyscapes on offer. Enjoy a dinner under the stars as you look up to the deep, dark expanses of the southern desert skies. Learn about the sacred celestial traditions of the local Aboriginal communities, as you absorb the astronomical knowledges of the oldest continuing cultures on Earth.

We will then venture north to the World Heritage listed Watarrka (King's Canyon), Tnorala (Gosses Bluff crater), Palm Valley, and finally to Alice Springs. From there you can stay longer to explore more of what Australia has to offer, or you may continue your journey back to Melbourne or back home. The flight out of Alice Springs is not covered in the cost of the excursion! You must make your own arrangements to fly out, allowing you the opportunity to schedule your own trip.

Full Schedule

[TBC]

Registration

You can register for this event from 15 February 2025.