Spirits Dancing: The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, and Living Connections to the Cosmos

by Travis Novitsky, Annette S. Lee (Contributor)

An exploration of human connection to the aurora, the Milky Way, and the wonder of the universe above us, with gorgeous photographs by a master photographer.

For millennia, humans have marveled at the night the wonder of the aurora, the glory of the Milky Way, and the peace that comes with stargazing. In this remarkable book, Travis Novitsky’s photographs portray these marvels, while astrophysicist Annette S. Lee discusses how Western science and Indigenous knowledge can work together to provide a deeper understanding of our place in the universe.

Novitsky has been photographing the night sky for decades, and his vibrant images reflect and transmit the experiences he has had under the night sky. Astrophysicist and artist Annette S. Lee has been teaching about the stars and creating art that shows them for more than 30 years. She provides a brief but thorough overview of how Western science explains the aurora, from the 17th-century astronomers who first studied sunspots to the 21st-century acoustic scientist who recorded their sounds. Lee also presents examples of the ways Indigenous skywatchers have seen the sky and our place in it.

Both authors write of the wonders of sitting quietly under the stars, knowing that humans have always done this, knowing that we literally come from the stars. Working together in this remarkable book, they bring the aurora to readers.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2023

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book interesting in a number of ways, from the sciences involving both Northern Lights and Milky Way; the Indignious teaching of each; along with the incredible display of photography and the notes of his imagery by Travis Novitsky. Initially I was focused only on the photography, since that's my area of expertise, then came the narrative by Annette Lee. I found Novitsky's notes on his search for possible imagery quite fascinating since as an arts photographer I follow much of the same methodology, especially interesting. So not only was this a collection of very nice images of the magic of night skies, it was also very informative and interesting in both the sciences and myths.

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

The phenomenon of the northern lights are described from both Western and Indigenous perspectives. The Western scientific approach: observation, theorizing, instrumentation, data collection, reporting in scientific journals and papers. The Indigenous way: observation, imagination, spiritual connection, story telling. Accompanied by awe-inspiring photographs taken in the far northeastern Minnesota wilderness by Indigenous photographer, Travis Novitsky. Actual rating: 3.5.

[Brad Neuhauser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not realize the focus of this book was on aurora borealis, but glad I read it, was so well done. Amazing photography, insightful science, and indigenous stories about auroras.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book! Integrating indigenous perspectives, western science and many beautiful photos.

[Libby Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic photography, excellent information, and wonderful stories of the sky, the heavens, the stars, and all of the cosmos. Simply beautiful.