The First Astronomers: How Indigenous Elders read the stars
Duane Hamacher

Guided by six First Nations Elders, Duane Hamacher takes us on a journey across space and time to reveal the wisdom of the first astronomers. These living systems of knowledge challenge conventional ideas about the nature of science and the longevity of oral tradition. Indigenous science is dynamic, adapting to changes in the skies and on Earth, pointing the way for a world facing the profound disruptions of climate change.

Duane Hamacher is Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy in the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne. He earned graduate degrees in astrophysics and the social sciences and has appeared on TEDx, 'The Story of God with Morgan Freeman', and many other high profile local and international programs. He serves as an expert consultant for UNESCO and works for Indigenous elders in the Torres Strait and around the world to document traditional star knowledge for educational programs and public understanding.

'This book marks a profound paradigm shift in our understanding of Indigenous scientific traditions, how they are transmitted, and their relevance to life today.' - Professor Marcia Langton, University of Melbourne

'A ground-breaking book of enormous scope.' - Brian Schmidt, Nobel Laureate in Physics

'A glimpse into Indigenous ways of reading landscapes reflected in the night sky through ancient processes of inquiry.' - Dr Tyson Yunkaporta, author of Sand Talk

'A wonderful combination of scholarship and poetry.' - Dr Annette S. Lee, Lakota astrophysicist

'Beautiful, engaging, and startlingly profound.' - Alan Duffy, Professor of Astrophysics

Dimensions: H 23.4cm x W 15.3cm

ISBN: 9781760877200

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication Date: 1 Mar 2022

Format: Paperback / softback

Number of Pages: 304