• The recent ‘Sky Stories 2024’ community event at Charles Sturt University in Orange attracted approximately 200 people in a meeting of Aboriginal Science and Western Science perspectives

Young and old came together to gaze at the planets and stars at the recent Charles Sturt University ‘Sky Stories 2024’ community event in Orange.

Lecturer in Problem Based Learning Dr Sid Parissi in the Charles Sturt School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences was part of the organising team and said the free event on Friday 13 September attracted approximately 200 people from the Orange region, including students and staff.

“Sky Stories was a family friendly event with lots of kids having fun, and everyone enjoying and learning about First Nations culture and Wiradjuri Sky Lore from award-winning Wiradjuri knowledge holder Ian Sutherland, and by the Wagga - l - bhaan Dance Group (pictured),” Dr Parissi said.

“It was a meeting of Aboriginal Science and Western Science perspectives, with seven telescopes provided by the Central West Astronomical Society and their keen members on-hand to explain about each different telescope and what was visible in the night sky.

“While Sky Stories were explained, participants gazed at the Moon, and Saturn and its moons through the telescopes, and, briefly, Venus by sight before it set in the west.”

Director of External Engagement (Orange and Bathurst) Ms Julia Andrews said the Sky Stories event is a professional learning project initiated and coordinated by Charles Sturt University.

“The event is designed to use astronomy to engage children and students in Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM),” Ms Andrews said.

“An integral element of the program is acknowledging the links between students, the school curriculum, family, community and their sky stories which enables new ways of learning, teaching and community engagement around science.

“The use of social media is pivotal to this process and enables schools to capture, share, collaborate and reflect upon the new ways of science in their own community, between Sky Stories communities and beyond.”

Besides enjoying the Bush Tukka, there was a free BBQ organised by students from Rural Health Positive (Rh+), and other students who helped out at the Kids Activities tent.