The Burunh Program
About Us
Astronomy is the oldest of the sciences, playing a central role in the history of science and the Knowledge Systems of traditional cultures of the world, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures of Australia. The canopy of stars serves as a time piece, a navigational aide, a map, a calendar, a memory space, a canvas on which we can create art, and a storyboard for narratives that give life meaning and purpose.​
Understanding the complexity of the universe and our place in the cosmos merits research from both scientific and cultural perspectives. It is also critical to secure our view of the cosmos, which is being gradually erased by the glow of light pollution.
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Our comprehensive program in Cultural & Indigenous Astronomy combines world-class teaching, research, public programs, professional development, and community engagement in the interdisciplinary fields of Indigenous astronomy, archaeoastronomy, astrosociology, dark sky studies, geomythology, social studies of outer space, the philosophy of science, and the history of astronomy.​
​Our work examines the myriad ways that observations of celestial objects and phenomena inform Knowledge Systems that guide cultural practices. We also research the impacts of light pollution and satellites, pedagogies for science education and communication, how psychology guides our views of the cosmos, and ancient records of geological and astronomical events encoded in oral tradition.
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We host the world’s only comprehensive undergraduate and graduate teaching and research program in Cultural & Indigenous Astronomy, with the theme of Indigenous Knowledges and perspectives threaded throughout.
Our Name
Burunh (pronounced BOOR-rune) means "night sky; night; darkness" in the Bunurong language of south-central Victoria. The word is shared by languages across Victoria and in southern parts of New South Wales.
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The Bunurong / Boon Wurrung people are an Aboriginal community and language whose country spans southern and coastal Victoria, from Wirribi-Yaluk (Werribee River) and Mirrangbamuran (Maribyrnong River) across Narm-narm (Port Philip Bay) to Korranwarrabul (Dandenong Ranges), down to Gorm-Griya (the Mornington Peninsula), Corriong (Phillip Island) and beyond. They are part of the Kulin Nation - a group of five Aboriginal groups - that include the Taunguraung, Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wuurring, and Wadawurrung.
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The first work dedicated to the study of Aboriginal astronomy was published in 1857 by Englishman William Stanbridge, focusing on the star knowledge of the Boorong people of Lake Tyrrell in northwestern Victoria. 'Tyrrell' is derived from the local Aboriginal word 'direl", meaning 'sky', as it is beautifully reflected in the mirror-calm waters of the salt lake.
The Boorong clan of the Wergaia prided themselves on being expert astronomers. That name in the Wergaia language is the same word as Burunh, meaning they were "the night people". We continue that tradition in Narrm/Melbourne using a local spelling of the term, Burunh, for our program .
This name is used with permission​
Letter of Approval​​ (PDF)