Events
Cultural Astronomy School
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Location: David Caro Building (School of Physics), University of Melbourne (subject to change)
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Dates: 2-4 July 2025
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Cost: $150 pp.
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Description: ​The 3-day School will offer graduate students and early career researchers an opportunity to learn about cultural astronomy from the world’s top experts by attending a series of focused lectures, discussions, and workshops. Lectures and workshops will focus on the history of cultural astronomy, theoretical frameworks, methodologies, professional development, quantitative and qualitative approached, community engagement, educational development, and more. Evening events include a Dinner at University House and an evening at the Planetarium.​ Delegates may attend the school in person or online.
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Programme: TBA on 20 June.
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Telescope Viewing
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Location: State Library of Victoria
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Date: Sunday, 06 July 2025. 7-8 pm.
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Cost: Free!
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Description: ​Join the Astronomical Society of Australia for a view of the Southern Skies form the front lawn of the State Library of Victoria.​
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Public Lecture: Pacific Sky Knowledge by Clive Ruggles
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Location: Lecture Theatre (B117), Glyn Davis Building, University of Melbourne (subject to change)
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Date: Friday, 4 July 2025, 6 pm.
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Cost: Free!
Navigation by the stars was a crucial skill for Micronesian and Polynesian navigators as they colonised and moved between various islands scattered over the Pacific. Astronomical and calendrical practices served to regulate social activity and reinforce social control. In this talk, Professor Clive Ruggles (University of Leicester) will describe some of the new insights gained from two projects in Hawai‘i.
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Programme: Learn more...
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Location: Parkville Campus, University of Melbourne
Dates: 07-11 July 2025
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Cost: $300 regular, $100 for Virtual attendance, $100 for an in-person Day Pass.
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​​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.
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Location: University House (Professor's Walk), University of Melbourne
Date: Monday, 7 July 2025, 6-7 pm.
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Cost: $25 pp
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Join us for drinks and canapés at the stunning University House to meet colleagues, network, and have fun!
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Panel Discussion: Indigenous Space Futures
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Location: Melbourne Museum
Date: 08 July 2025
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Cost: Free! But you must book a ticket. SOLD OUT!
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Join us for an all-Aboriginal panel discussion with Professor Deen Sanders, Professor Chris Lawrence, Christian Maskey, and Krystal De Napoli (MC).
We are living in the Space Age. For 24 years astronauts have been living and working in space onboard the International Space Station, while China’s Tiangong space station has been permanently crewed since June 2022. Significant advances in space exploration are working towards building habitats for humans on the Moon and Mars. But reaching for the stars is not just a technological and scientific endeavour. The social and philosophical implications of becoming a spacefaring peoples are just as important. Beyond the conquest of space, might we forge a new path that emphasises diverse perspectives, Indigenous cultures, sustainability and ethics.
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Location: Woodward Centre, University of Melbourne
Date: 10 July 2025
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Cost: $100 pp.
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Join us for a 3 course meal with delegates and a keynote.
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Location: Woodward Centre, University of Melbourne
Date: 11 July 2025
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Cost: $25 pp.
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Join us at Melbourne Planetarium in Spotswood for a viewing of VOYAGER: the Never-Ending Journey - FilmFreeway. followed by dinner at Grazeland (dinner cost not included).