When asked to name important astronomers, our list will almost certainly begin with names such as Galileo, Copernicus and Kepler, perhaps Brahe, Cassini and Huygens and even Aristarchus and Aristotle.

This is understandable.

However, many of us may not associate indigenous cultures around the world with astronomy.

This is perhaps a little surprising.

After all, the Polynesians used little more than a knowledge of currents and the stars to navigate across the enormous expanse of the Pacific Ocean in small boats.

Similarly, it shouldn’t really be surprising that indigenous Australian cultures have used their observations of the ever-changing night sky to explain and pass on knowledge of their environment for tens of thousands of years.

Dreaming stories about the night sky in various parts of Australia are used as a way of explaining the changing phases of the Moon, the movement of bright Venus between the evening and morning skies, the changing climate throughout the year and when certain foods are available, amongst other things.

The next meeting of the Central West Astronomical Society (CWAS), this Friday evening, will feature Robert Fuller and Trevor Leaman, who will be speaking about Aboriginal Astronomy of North and Central NSW.

Robert collected and analysed stories of the night sky from the Kamilaroi, Euahlayi, Ngemba and Murrawarri peoples of the northwest and north of New South Wales as part of his Master of Philosophy (M Phil) studies in cultural astronomy at Macquarie University.

He has added to the larger body of Aboriginal cultural knowledge in Australia.

Similarly, Trevor has returned to the Central West as part of his Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) research at the University of NSW into Aboriginal cultural astronomy, particularly focusing on Wiradjuri astronomical traditions.

Trevor also has a background in general astronomy education, having previously worked as an astronomy educator at the Uluru Resort and Launceston Planetarium, and now at Sydney Observatory.

Interestingly, two of Robert and Trevor’s supervisors are Professor Ray Norris and Dr Duane Hamacher respectively, two pioneers of encouraging academic research into Aboriginal astronomy and both previous speakers at CWAS meetings.

The CWAS meets on the first Friday evening of each month (except January) and routinely hosts interesting speakers.

However, even if readers do not attend any other CWAS meeting this year, this Friday’s meeting is highly recommended and promises to be both fascinating and culturally important.

The meeting will commence at 7.30pm at the Visitors Centre of the Parkes Radio Telescope.

Admission to the meeting is free of charge and obligation-free, although visitors are welcome to purchase a meal and join CWAS members at the adjacent Dish Café from 6.30pm if they wish.

Further information about the CWAS can also be found on the society’s website www.cwas.org.au