Name: Cosmos of the Muisca
Start: 2026-08-22T19:30:00+09:30
Location: Adelaide Planetarium

Monica Lopez
Special Guest Lecturer
Paul Curnow
Adelaide Planetarium
College of Science, Adelaide University.
Abstract: The Muisca were an Indigenous civilisation in the Andean highlands of present-day Colombia, known for their advanced agriculture, trade, and goldwork. They are famous for inspiring the legend of El Dorado, linked to their ritual of covering a ruler in gold dust and offering treasures to a sacred lake. Moreover, the Muisca cosmos centred on gods like Sué (Sun) and Chía (Moon), who governed time, life, and balance. Their universe was seen as ordered and sacred, with humans maintaining harmony through rituals tied to nature and celestial cycles. Come and hear about their view of the universe with Muisca descendant Monica Lopez and astronomer Paul Curnow.
Bio: Monica Lopez - Bachelor of Business Administration (Major in Hotel and Tourism) with over ten years of experience at the Colombian Institute for Science and Technology (Colciencias), contributing to science and community-focused projects. Experienced in administrative support, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement, working closely with researchers, educators, and external clients. Monica played a key role in supporting the development and funding processes of the Maloka Museum, promoting interactive science learning. Having lived most of her life in the Muisca region of Colombia, she maintains a strong connection to her indigenous roots, which informs her interest in community development, education, and cultural heritage.
Bio: Paul Curnow (B.Ed) is an award-winning astronomer, teacher, and author. He is regarded as Australia's leading specialist on Australian Aboriginal constellations and star names. Moreover, Paul runs several popular courses for the public that focus on the constellations, planetary astronomy, meteoritics, historical astronomy and ethnoastronomy, which primarily deals with how the night sky is seen by non-western cultures. He has lectured both overseas and in Australia and worked for the Adelaide Planetarium for the past 34-years.
FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES OR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact Name: Allison Price
Company Name: Adelaide Planetarium
Telephone: (08) 8302 3138
Email: [email protected]