Indigenous Australians have long been the world's first astronomers, using the night sky as a living classroom to guide their people, culture, and connection to Country for tens of thousands of years. The stars, constellations, and celestial bodies are not just points of light but are integral to Indigenous knowledge systems, acting as calendars, maps, lore books, and weather forecasts. However, this ancient wisdom is now at risk due to light pollution from urban areas, which is threatening to obscure the night sky and disrupt Indigenous cultural practices.
The night sky is a treasure trove of knowledge for Indigenous Australians. Constellations like the Wangel (or 'long-necked turtle') and Djurt (or 'red-rumped parrot') are not just beautiful patterns of stars but are deeply rooted in Indigenous lore and practices. For example, the Wangel constellation, based on the bright orange star Pollux, guided Indigenous communities to know when it was time to travel and gather for different ceremonies. Similarly, the Djurt constellation, based on the Antares star, helped communities locate abundant food sources like grasslands full of seeds. These constellations also hold rules that guide sustainable practices, such as not hunting Murray Cod when the Otchocut constellation appears, as it indicates the fish are breeding.
The stars also provide weather forecasts, but only if you have the knowledge and observation skills to understand them. For instance, a star that twinkles and appears bright blue suggests an impending storm, while a cluster of stars twinkling quickly may indicate stronger winds. These celestial bodies are also connected to songlines, cultural pathways that connect traditional sites and act as 'drop pins' for important resources like waterholes and food.
However, the growing urban landscape is casting a shadow over this ancient wisdom. Light pollution from streetlights, floodlights, and buildings is spreading, making it increasingly rare to see dark nights and starry skies near urban areas. This has a direct cultural impact on Indigenous communities, as it becomes nearly impossible to connect with the stars and share Indigenous sky knowledge with younger generations. Light pollution also affects culturally important species, such as the microbat and nightjar, both of which are totems in Indigenous cultures and rely on darkness for survival.
Beyond culture, light pollution has widespread ecological impacts, affecting how animals grow, behave, and breed. Research suggests light pollution can stop clownfish eggs from hatching, shrink the brains of spiders, and disorient threatened seabirds like petrels and shearwaters. It can also negatively affect human health, triggering sleep and mood disorders and certain cardiovascular problems.
So, what can we do to protect Indigenous sky knowledge and reduce light pollution? The good news is that we can each help reduce light pollution by making simple lifestyle changes, such as turning off outdoor lights when not in use, using lightbulbs with lower brightness and warmer colouring, and choosing light designs that direct light only where it's needed. We can also better regulate the use of artificial light outdoors, as countries like France have substantially reduced their light pollution levels by regulating the kind of lighting people can use and install.
In conclusion, the night sky is not just a canvas of stars but a living classroom that has guided Indigenous Australians for millennia. Protecting this ancient wisdom requires a collective effort to reduce light pollution and regulate artificial light use. By doing so, we can ensure that Indigenous sky knowledge remains alive and vibrant for future generations, preserving the cultural and ecological heritage of our planet.
