From Wolfe Creek to Tunguska - Meteorites in Cultural Traditions (Short)
Channel: The Royal Society of Victoria
Date: 21/05/2020

The "falling stars" hold a significant place in the traditions of Indigenous cultures around the world, including Australia. From meteors, fireballs, and airbursts to meteorites, tektites, and impact craters, these objects and events are described in story, song, dance, and material culture. From the famous Tunguska explosion of 1908 to the ancient impact that formed the Henbury craters, many events were witnessed by Indigenous people and incorporated into their oral traditions - some leading scientists to previously unknown impact sites and meteorite finds.

Indigenous Knowledges senior lecturer Dr Tyson Yunkaporta (Deakin University) and cultural astronomer A/Prof Duane Hamacher (The University of Melbourne) take us on a journey to impact sites and meteorite finds across the globe. See first release video of traditional cultural dances relating to fireballs (as permitted by traditional elders) and gain insights to the cultural and spiritual role of sky events in Indigenous Australian traditions.

Full presentation available at https://youtu.be/jSaHAzQvCBs.

Filmed by Robert Cross. Interview by Mike Flattley. Produced by the Royal Society of Victoria with support from the Inspiring Australia program.