The convergence of astronomy and anthropology illuminates humanity’s longstanding utilisation of the night sky as a cultural, spiritual, and practical guide. Through the discipline of archaeoastronomy, we gain insights into ancient structures such as Stonehenge, which exhibit alignments with celestial phenomena, underscoring the profound comprehension of the cosmos possessed by early civilisations. Ethnoastronomy delves into indigenous knowledge systems, exemplified by the star lore of the San people in Southern Africa, which establishes connections between celestial patterns and ancestral narratives. From Polynesian navigation to the development of lunar and solar calendars, astronomy has profoundly influenced human navigation, agriculture, and rituals throughout history. Even in contemporary times, prominent astronomy projects like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) in South Africa engage with local communities, fostering a bridge between modern science and traditional sky-watching practices.
At the OAD, we acknowledge that astronomy transcends its scientific boundaries and constitutes a shared human heritage that transcends time and cultural boundaries. By exploring the intersections between astronomy and the social sciences, we can devise inclusive and culturally sensitive development initiatives that empower communities while preserving their astronomical traditions.
Join us on, Thursday, 10 April 2025 at 12pm SAST (1000UTC) for the next Astro4Dev Full Moon Mashup! We’ll be in conversation with Anthropologist Dr. Hanna Nieber who has been a guest of the OAD for the past few weeks, bringing unique insights from her research and her experience with being at the OAD.
If you missed the last Full Moon Mashup, a summary and recording of the session are available here.