First Knowledges Astronomy: Sky Country

I found this book compelling because Noon and De Napoli, both Indigenous astronomers, combine their Western scientific knowledge with First Nations cultural knowledge. I was particularly moved by reading about their different but connected personal journeys. Despite prejudice and disadvantage, each was determined to pursue tertiary education and careers in Western astronomy and maintain and communicate the sky knowledge systems of Aboriginal communities.  They unite in presenting astronomy as land and sky together in one cosmology. 

I liked this book because it felt very personal. The occasional, justified critique of Australian society and historical events makes it authentic. I often paused to absorb and reflect. This is part of a six-book series called First Knowledges, and I plan to read the other five.

First Knowledges Astronomy: Sky Country, by Karlie Noon, Krystal De Napoli, Margo Neale (editor). (Thames & Hudson; Main edition, 2022). 224 pages, ISBN 978-1760762162