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The First Astronomers: How Indigenous Elders read the stars
Our eyes have been drawn away from the skies to our screens. We no longer look to the stars to forecast the weather, predict the seasons or plant our gardens. Most of us cannot even see the Milky Way. But First Nations Elders around 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?
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.
'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
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherAllen & Unwin
- Publication dateMarch 1, 2022
- File size17.3 MB
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Product details
- ASIN : B09MQ4QYSN
- Publisher : Allen & Unwin
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : March 1, 2022
- Language : English
- File size : 17.3 MB
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 344 pages
- ISBN-13 : 978-1761063800
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Best Sellers Rank: #904,159 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #723 in Indigenous Peoples Studies
- #1,159 in Technology (Kindle Store)
- #1,505 in Technology (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

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, Australia. He is an interdisciplinary scholar with degrees in the physical and social sciences whose work focuses on astronomy in a cultural, social, and historical context, as well as dark sky studies, apocalyptic studies, and the history and philosophy of science. He is currently on sabbatical as a CAPAS Fellow in the Kate Hamburger Centre for Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic Studies at Heidelberg University in Germany.
Duane is a TEDx speaker and appeared on documentaries with Morgan Freeman, Warwick Thornton, and Werner Herzog. He wrote the book "The First Astronomers: how Indigenous Elders read the stars" with Elders and Knowledge Holders.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonTop reviews from the United States
- 5 out of 5 stars
Great Gift for Astronomy Lovers
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2026Bought as a gift for my brother after a student in one of the astronomy classes at my college referenced and recommended it; my brother seemed excited and interested in the book when I gave it to him. Can’t wait to hear what he thinks about it
Sending feedback...Sending feedback...HelpfulThank you for your feedback.Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try againThanks, we'll investigate in the next few days.Sorry, We failed to report this review. Please try again - 5 out of 5 stars
An eye-opening experience
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2022This unusually attractive author keeps writing interesting and engaging books. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
Sending feedback...Sending feedback...HelpfulThank you for your feedback.Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try againThanks, we'll investigate in the next few days.Sorry, We failed to report this review. Please try again - 5 out of 5 stars
Finally a book that explores astronomy's deepest roots !
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2024So much of the history of astronomy focuses on Western Europe. This book finally takes us to the very roots of astronomy - the world's oldest science. Within these pages, you'll learn things that will astound you and broaden your academic horizons !
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Top reviews from other countries
Carlos Alberto (Beto) Boton5 out of 5 starsFantastic
Reviewed in Australia on October 4, 2022Having lived and worked in remote communities of Australia, I came to appreciate the knowledge of the first people of Australia. This book is a great contribution to the wider society and desmistify the idea that there was no scientific knowledge to be considered on the "stories" of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. THANK YOU - wonderful book
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Louelle185 out of 5 starsFascinating read.
Reviewed in Australia on November 17, 2023I’ve always been interested in how our First Nations people interpret the solar system. This book was very informative and a great read. Highly recommend .
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Nikki Bear5 out of 5 starsGood read
Reviewed in Australia on June 12, 2024Great perspective on the topic
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Amazon Customer5 out of 5 starsA great and educational read
Reviewed in Australia on July 31, 2022This book opened my eyes and I wish I had have read it years ago. I would love to see a documentary made with this content.
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Dr. Owen G. Roberts2 out of 5 starsDisappointing
Reviewed in Australia on November 9, 2023Not well written and failed to capture my interest
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