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Rick Parrott
06-03-2009, 10:45 AM
Just wondered if anyone knows of a good site or resource regarding Aboriginal star names, constellations, legends etc?
erick
06-03-2009, 11:09 AM
Start here?

http://www.atnf.csiro.au/research/AboriginalAstronomy/Examples/emu.htm
Rick Parrott
06-03-2009, 11:12 AM
Thanks Eric, that's the sort of thing I'm after!
PeterM
06-03-2009, 11:23 AM
Some years ago I bought a Planisphere called Aboriginal Sky Figures from the ABC shop. It is based on Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories researched and related by Gaparingu Naputa Aboriginal elder, with astronomical information from Gordon Patston FRAS. It is one of my prized pieces of astro gear and relates some very lovely Aboriginal stories of the major constellations.
It has an ISBN 0-7333-0470-2 don't know if it still available but worth a try.
PeterM.
Kevnool
06-03-2009, 05:18 PM
The southern cross is the beak of the emu.
kinetic
06-03-2009, 06:04 PM
I'm hoping the guy will chime in here, but I vaguely recall an IIS member
here from NT has a special interest in it.
I can't for the life of me think what his username is but someone will.

He does a regional NT radio show as well I think.

Steve
astroron
06-03-2009, 06:43 PM
I think you may be talking about gaa_ian from Nhulanboy.:thumbsup:
Ric
06-03-2009, 07:16 PM
I must admit I could never work out where the Emu was.

But once it was pointed out, I've never had a problem since.

It is so obvious I don't know how I ever missed it.

cheers
Kevnool
06-03-2009, 10:29 PM
I remember a post from gaa_ian saying he gave up IIS for a short while to go storm chasing within the wet season.
He,ll be back.
Cheers Kev.
WadeH
06-03-2009, 11:13 PM
I find that a lot of people have trouble finding the "emu" because the are used to seeing constellations made of stars, were'as the emu is composed from the dark dust clouds running through the centre of the milky way. Once folks realise that and have a dark sky its easy!

For those of us near Perth, the GinGin Observatory has the good futune of hearing local, Noel Nannup, take us on a journey to discover the secrets of the Aboriginal night sky. I had the pleasure of being with Noel a few years ago while doing aboriginal studies during a land managment course and he is a fantastic speaker.

Contact is: stars@ginginobservatory.com (stars@ginginobservatory.com)
Sunday, 26 April 2009. 7.00pm to 9.30pm. :astron: