Astronomy has been practised by indigenous groups to create astronomical calendars which inform on weather, navigation, migration, agriculture, and ecology.
[1] Alongside calendric uses, constellations have names and stories that inform ceremony and social structures holding specific and deep cultural meanings for respective indigenous groups.
[7][1] The Bora ceremonial grounds are thought to reflect the major dark patches of the emu (its head and body), as two circles of different size, connected by a pathway.
For example, the Bugis people of Indonesia used the presence or absence of certain stars and their rising and setting times like compass points, in concordance with other signs such as wave, wind and cloud patterns.
[10] Polynesian groups and southern African tribes both used the heliacal rise of the Pleiades stars to regulate agricultural and ceremonial activities.
[11][9] Some academic literature argues that all science is embedded with culture, and to acknowledge this is integral to create diverse learning environments and decolonise Western knowledge systems.
[18] The proposed introduction of satellite mega-constellations, such as Starlink into LEO could disrupt Indigenous astronomical practices and the transmission of knowledge, heritage, and culture.
[18] Progressive steps have been taken, such as the creation of 'VisorSat' by SpaceX to create less reflective and disruptive satellites, and the International Astronomical Union 2022 report on Quiet and Dark Skies raised the issue's profile and was presented at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.