Wondrous, Deadly Skies: Astronomy Knowledge from the First Peoples

Description

Discover the world of First Nations astronomy knowledge with Gomeroi astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli in Wondrous, Deadly Skies, a cool, illustrated science book for kids aged 7 to 12 years. First Nations astronomy is something of an untapped resource that can help us make sense of our planet. Across seven chapters, Krystal explains how the skies are connected to the land informing seasons, weather, plant cycles and animal behaviour. Discover how stars and their constellations are the GPS of nature and explore the extensive history of First Nations astronomical knowledge. More than twinkling lights, stars are like books in a celestial library of First Nations knowledge. They guide First Peoples across Country and mark the seasons. Moon phases tell of the best time to fish, while constellations announce blooming flowers. With illustrations by Gunggari artist Desirai Saunders, this book will take you out of this world so you'll see the night sky the way First Nations People have seen it for millennia.

Krystal De Napoli is a Gomeroi author, astrophysicist and science communicator devoted to the advocacy of Indigenous knowledges and equity in STEM. She is host of the weekly radio program Indigenuity on Triple R 102.7 FM where she holds conversations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge holders, giving their ingenuity a platform. As an educator she has worked with tertiary and secondary institutions to create courses on Aboriginal science, most notably working to create and deliver Monash University's inaugural Indigenous science course, SCI2030: Indigenous Science. She has also curated a national public database on Indigenous science for the Australian Council of Deans of Science. In 2022, Krystal co-authored Astronomy: Sky Country (Thames & Hudson). Desirai Saunders is a proud Gunggari woman currently located in Yugger/Juggera Country in northern Brisbane. Desirai predominantly creates strong, First Nations character illustrations using Procreate. Her characters are developed to (mostly) represent First Nations women who find their strength through connection to culture and how that looks while navigating modern society. The inspiration behind these illustrations is heavily influenced by her own emotional experiences, laying the groundwork to begin advocating for more positive views on mental health within communities.