Saturday 3 February
10 am–3 pm
Nearly all the elements found in the human body originated in the stars – we are quite literally made of stardust. The stars have informed how we navigate, how we understand our place in the world and how we live. Immerse yourself in a day of stargazing to consider the significance of the stars from different perspectives – scientific, cultural, artistic and metaphysical. This day will feature a series of presentations from experts on ways of seeing the stars, including an introduction to Stargazing with MAPh curator Stella Loftus-Hills, a discussion of First Nations knowledge of the stars with cultural astronomer Duane Hamacher, and a look at how we can use the stars to guide our lives with astrologer Alison Lasek.
Come for one talk or stay for the day.
Cost for all talks: General admission $20 /Members $18
Cost for individual talks: see booking links below.
PROGRAM
10 am–10.45 am
Stargazing with exhibition curator Stella Loftus-Hills
Stargazing takes a creative look at the stars through the lens of different artists, delving into ideas about the universe and our place within it and challenging expectations of photography to explore the cosmos from felt, imagined and self-referential perspectives. Join exhibition curator Stella Loftus-Hills for her insights into the works and the artists who have looked to the stars.
Free program
11 am–12 pm
The first astronomers with Duane Hamacher
First Nations Elders are expert observers of the stars, teaching the abiding connection between the sky and the land. Cultural astronomer Duane Hamacher, author of First astronomers (2022) has worked extensively with First Nations communities across Australia and internationally to document their astronomical knowledge and traditions. These dynamic, living systems of knowledge challenge conventional ideas about the nature of science, and point the way for a world facing the profound disruptions of climate change. Duane Hamacher will take us on a journey across space and time to reveal the wisdom of the first astronomers and its relationship to history, culture and applied science.
General admission $12/ Members $10.80
Duane Hamacher is Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy in the ASTRO-3D Centre of Excellence and the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne. A former ARC Discovery Early Career Research Fellow, he has worked for Meriam Elders since 2014 to document the astronomical knowledge and traditions of the eastern Torres Strait Islanders, and with other First Nations communities across Australia and internationally.
Born and raised in the United States, Duane earned a Bachelors degree in physics from the University of Missouri, a Masters degree in observational astronomy from the University of New South Wales with a thesis on extrasolar planets, and a PhD in Indigenous Studies from Macquarie University with a dissertation on Australian Aboriginal astronomy. Duane served as an expert consultant for UNESCO, was the consultant for the Star Dreaming series of commemorative coins for the Royal Australian Mint, and serves on the International Astronomical Union's Working Group on Star Names, which officiated 7 Aboriginal star names into the global scientific canon, as well as lobbying for 5 asteroids to be named by the IAU in honour of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders, academics, and a community.
1 pm–2 pm
Astrology – the stars as a road map
Discover how the stars can serve as a personal road map, guiding you towards radical self-acceptance and empowering you to live your most authentic and fulfilling life. Join astrologer Alison Lasek for an accessible and inspiring introduction to astrology while surrounded by the incredible works of the Stargazing exhibition.
General admission $12/ Members $10.80
Alison Lasek is a practising astrologer who is passionate about helping people connect with their soul’s path and universal guidance. With over 15 years of experience in communication, culture and the arts, Alison makes astrology both inspiring and relatable, leading to transformative experiences. Alison is the resident astrologer for Broadsheet Media nationally, and studied with Alice Bell, the astrologer for British Vogue.
