Radio telescope project in South Africa weaves Indigenous sky stories into modern astronomy
A recent practice insight examines a decade of engagement between scientists and Indigenous San communities in South Africa's Karoo, where the MeerKAT and SKA-Mid telescopes are being built. The research, published in the Journal of Science Communication, argues that traditional knowledge is not static but adapts to modern contexts, including scientific developments. The work was part of the environmental and social impact assessments for the telescope projects.
The study drew on the Bleek and Lloyd archive, a late-19th-century record of San narratives, as a reference point for discussions with community members. Workshops took place in seven locations around the SKA site, involving roughly 52 recognized elders and knowledge holders, with evening sky observations and home visits supplementing the sessions.
The research was conducted as part of the environmental and social impact assessments required for the MeerKAT and SKA-Mid telescope construction. Findings showed that some traditional stories had faded from memory entirely, while others remained recognizable but had evolved, illustrating how Indigenous knowledge continuously absorbs new influences rather than remaining fixed.
This research could influence how large-scale scientific projects approach cultural heritage in their planning processes. By demonstrating that Indigenous knowledge evolves alongside modern developments, the study may encourage more meaningful consultation practices that treat traditional communities as active participants rather than passive subjects. This could affect how future astronomy projects worldwide balance scientific advancement with cultural preservation, potentially shaping policy for megaprojects in regions with deep historical ties to the land.