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The Adelaide Planetarium at the University of South Australia presentsAboriginal Cosmos
Tuesdays the 28th of March - 18th of April 2023
at 7.30 to 9.30pm (now booking)
Adelaide Planetarium,
Mawson Lakes Campus,
University of South Australia
Paul Curnow
Adelaide Planetarium
University of South Australia
Abstract: Have you ever wondered about the Australian Aboriginal view of how the cosmos came into existence? In the Dreaming, how did humans and other animals first come into existence? What are some of the origins of Aboriginal place names and geological features? Aboriginal Australians have been looking at the night sky for some 50,000+ years. During this time, they have been able to build up a complex knowledge of the stars and their movements. How do their observations and cosmotheism compare to the modern scientific worldview? What are the differences and similarities between the contemporary western view of the constellations and the Aboriginal view of the sky above? In this course, hear about the Dreaming and the many stories that relate to the Earth, humans, and Aboriginal view of the heavens above.
We will explore the modern 88-constellations and be able to compare them to the night sky as seen by the first Australians. Come and study with renowned astronomer Paul Curnow and learn about some of the most ancient cultures on Earth. This 4-week course is adults only; and strictly designed for the adult beginner (due to respecting cultural protocols attendees must be aged 16-years or over – there will be no admittance to children below the age of 16). Moreover, it is suitable for adults with limited or no astronomical knowledge who would like to know more about the cultures, night sky and the constellations, as seen by the Aboriginal Peoples of Australia. This is the only course of its type held in a planetarium anywhere in the world!. NEXT COURSE – January 2025/26…
Bio: After 30-years, Paul Curnow [B.Ed] is South Australia’s longest serving planetarium lecturer. He has been a member of the Field Geology Club of South Australia since 1992. In 2002, he served as a southern sky specialist for visiting U.S. and British astronomers who were in Australia for the total solar eclipse. After three decades of research, he is regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on Australian Aboriginal night sky knowledge; and in 2004, he worked in conjunction with the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center Planetarium in Ohio, on the creation of a show that features Indigenous Australian stories of the night sky. Moreover, from 2018-2022, he has served as a consultant on Indigenous Astronomy for the Australian Space Agency. In addition, Paul runs several popular courses for the public that focus on the constellations, planetary astronomy, historical astronomy and ethnoastronomy, which primarily deals with how the night sky is seen by non-western cultures. He appeared as the keynote speaker at the inaugural 2010 Lake Tyrrell Star Party in Sea Lake, Victoria and in 2011 was a special guest speaker at the Carter Observatory in Wellington, New Zealand. Since 2012 Paul has taken the role of Lecturer for the ‘Astronomy & the Universe’ course (EDUC2066); and between 2019-2021 for ‘Science’ (EDUC 2030) for the School of Education at the University of South Australia. Moreover, since 2021 he has been a member of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation Education Advisory Committee. Paul appears regularly in the media and has authored over 50 articles on astronomy.
To be held at the Adelaide Planetarium (upstairs), Building P, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus. Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes SA 5095. *BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL*. Cost $140.00 per person. Contact the Adelaide Planetarium at 8302 3138 or email the planetarium at [email protected] for general enquiries.
Please note: no admission to under 16-years of age due to use of adult language (16-18 years must be accompanied by full paid adult).
REGISTRATION CANCELLATIONS
*Please note tickets are non-refundable*
ENQUIRIES OR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact Name: Allison Price
Company Name: University of South Australia
Telephone: (08) 8302 3138
Email: [email protected]
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Adelaide Planetarium - UniSA Mawson Lakes, 33-37 Main St.,Adelaide,SA,Australia
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