McMaster University Indigenous Scholars to Offer Insights on Eclipse and Star Stories

Throughout history and around the world, eclipses have inspired rituals, shaped beliefs and driven scientific inquiry.

Ahead of the total solar eclipse that will be viewable from parts of North America on April 8th, 2024, a panel of Indigenous scholars will shed light on the significance of eclipses in Indigenous communities and captivate the audience with inspiring star stories. 

The Department of Physics & Astronomy will host the panel discussion on Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 2:30 – 4:00p.m in the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery building (MDCL) room 1102.  

Indigenous Perspectives – Eclipse and Star Stories will feature five guest panelists who will share their insights and findings from their research and experiences. Learn more about the panelists here. 

“As we continue to work with our Indigenous colleagues on various Indigenous astronomy-related educational and outreach projects, it is important to remind ourselves that we are situated on the traditional territories and under the sky of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee Nations,” says Rob Cockcroft, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy.   

“The eclipse is a great way to strengthen existing relationships and collaborations, build new ones, and inspire the next generation to learn more — and I’m excited and looking forward to learning from our amazing panelists on the 7th.”