[Light music plays, screen reads 'STEM Education'.]

Dr Kirsten Banks

Hey, everyone. Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt a tingle of excitement? Like maybe, just maybe, there's something incredible waiting to be discovered out there?

I'm Dr Kirsten Banks, and today I want to take you on a journey beyond our planet to explore the incredible opportunities the universe holds. The world of astrophysics and space exploration is more thrilling than ever before.

We're no longer just gazing at the stars. We're unravelling the universe's biggest mysteries, designing cutting-edge technology, and even searching for life on other planets. Imagine peering through powerful telescopes to witness the birth of stars, or using advanced satellites to map out distant galaxies.

The discoveries we make can revolutionise our understanding of the cosmos and our place within it, but it doesn't stop there. The field of space exploration is rapidly evolving, from launching rockets to exploring Mars, to developing new ways to travel through space, the possibilities are endless, and you could be a part of the team that finds water on a distant moon or develops the technology that takes us to another star system. So buckle up because this is your chance to blast off on an adventure to the stars.

Whether you dream of becoming an astronaut, a researcher, an engineer, or a scientist, the universe is waiting for you to make your mark. Let's explore the infinite together. Can you imagine gazing up at the night sky and feeling that insatiable curiosity of what lies beyond? For me, that wonderment was a driving force from a young age. Since then, I've spent countless night stargazing, fueled by my imagination and my passion for the mysteries of the universe. Every twinkling star and distant planet became a puzzle waiting to be solved. When I fell in love with space, I realised that to unlock its secrets, I needed to dive deep into subjects like physics and advanced mathematics. Fortunately, I found great joy in these challenges, relishing the opportunity to work on complex problems and unravel the intricacies of the cosmos. But my journey wasn't just about the stars. I was equally captivated by other subjects, like music and geography and the excitement of exploring the world around me.

Each of these interests enriched my understanding of the universe and my place within it. A pivotal moment came during a school trip in year nine, which truly ignited my passion for space exploration.

We visited a large theatre where we learned about the Hubble Space Telescope. I was absolutely fascinated by how much we can learn about distant objects in space just by analysing the light they emit. The idea that we could uncover secrets of the universe with powerful telescopes like Hubble captivated me. At that moment, I knew I wanted to, no, needed to study space. The curiosity that had been simmering inside me suddenly turned into a burning passion, and I dedicated myself to learning the languages of the universe, mathematics and physics.

These subjects became my tools to decode the cosmos, to understand the fundamental laws governing everything from the smallest particle to the largest galaxies. But my journey wasn't one dimensional. While I delved deep into the complexities of maths and physics, I also continued to nurture my other interests. Music remained a significant part of my life, providing a beautiful balance to the logical rigour of science, and geography too kept my sense of wonder alive, connecting the dots between our planet and the vast universe beyond.

Each of these interests enriched my perspective, making me a more well-rounded explorer of the cosmos. They reminded me that the universe isn't just a collection of stars and planets, but a symphony of elements and forces working in harmony. And it's this harmony that drives me to continue my journey, to keep exploring and discovering, and to share that passion with others. Here's the thing. STEM isn't just about numbers and equations. It's about curiosity, about a well-rounded mind. Having a strong foundation in various disciplines can be surprisingly beneficial. Now, space exploration offers a vast array of exciting careers.

We have astronomers who study the stars and galaxies, engineers who design spacecraft, and even planetary scientists searching for life on other worlds. But the opportunities go beyond the obvious. My love for music has proven an unexpected asset. It helps me think creatively and approach problems from different angles. The point is, keeping an open mind allows you to stumble upon unexpected opportunities.

My passion for space led me to astrophysics, but the skills I've acquired can be applied in so many ways. Data analysis, communication, problem solving, they're valuable tools in any field. There are certainly areas where machines may replace humans in space fields, especially in situations that are exceedingly dangerous for humans. The harsh environments of space, extreme temperatures, radiation, and the vacuum of space itself presents significant risks. In these cases, machines can step in to perform tasks that would be too hazardous for humans. Take the Mars rovers, for example. For almost three decades, these incredible machines have been exploring the surface of Mars, providing us with invaluable data and helping us understand our neighbouring planet better. However, I believe that while machines will take on more roles in space exploration, they won't replace humans entirely. Instead, we'll continue to find ways for machines to enhance the work and creativity of humans.

By utilising machines in this way, we can accelerate our pace of discovery. Machines can gather and analyse vast amounts of data much faster than humans, enabling us to learn more about the universe in a shorter timeframe. This symbiotic relationship between humans and machines will push the boundaries of what we can achieve, opening up new frontiers in our understanding of space. In essence, the future of space exploration lies in the collaboration between human ingenuity and machine efficiency. Together, we can explore deeper, learn faster, and uncover the universe's secrets in ways never thought possible.

So whether you dream of designing rockets or analysing alien atmospheres, the path to space exploration starts with curiosity. Read books, star gaze, participate in science clubs, and don't be afraid to explore other subjects. The skills you develop will be your compass as you navigate this amazing journey.

Remember, the universe is waiting to be explored. Are you ready to join the adventure?

[NSW Government logo.]

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[Light music plays, screen reads 'STEM Education'.]

Dr Kirsten Banks

As an astrophysicist and science communicator, it's my job to explore the mysteries of the universe and share those exciting discoveries with you. But first, let's talk about what astrophysics is and why it's so fascinating.

Hi, I'm Dr. Kirsten Banks. And astrophysics is the study of the physics of the universe. We look at everything from tiny particles to massive galaxies and try to understand how it all works. It's like being a detective, solving the biggest mysteries of space. One of the most important parts of my job is science communication. It's not just about knowing the science, but being able to share it in a way that everyone can understand and enjoy. This is crucial because science is for everyone. Let's dive into some of the coolest topics in astrophysics and explore the vast scale of the universe. First up, a favourite, black holes. These cosmic giants have gravity so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape if it gets too close. Fascinatingly, the study of black holes by Australian scientists has led to technological advancements like Wi-Fi, which we use every day.

Next, consider exoplanets, planets orbiting stars outside our solar system. Our solar system is just a tiny part of a galaxy filled with billions of stars, each potentially with its own planets. The closest known exoplanet is around 4.2 light years away, or about 40 trillion kilometres away. A mind boggling distance compared to those we're used to travelling on Earth, but just around the corner in the scale of the galaxy and the universe beyond.

The Big Bang, which occurred around 13.8 billion years ago, marks the beginning of the universe. From this event came the galaxies, stars and solar systems we see today. Understanding the Big Bang helps us grasp the origins of everything around us. Exploring these cosmic phenomena reveals the immense scale and complexity of the universe, connecting scientific discoveries with a technology that shapes our daily lives.

As we continue to learn, we uncover the extraordinary nature of our place in the cosmos. Another amazing tool we use in astrophysics is sonification. This technique turns data from space images into sound, making it possible to kind of hear the universe. This is not just cool, it's also a way to make space accessible to people who are visually impaired.

The key message I want to share with you is this. Technology is making space more accessible than ever before. By effectively communicating science, we can inspire curiosity and excitement about the universe and who knows? One of you might be the next great scientist to make an incredible discovery. Stay curious, keep asking questions, and never stop exploring the wonders of the universe. Remember, science and technology are tools that can help us understand our world and beyond, and they're within your reach. Together we can uncover the mysteries of space and inspire future generations to look up at the stars with wonder.

[NSW government logo.]

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[Light music plays, screen reads 'STEM Education'.]

Dr Kirsten Banks

Did you know that astronomy and space technologies play a significant role in helping us manage conservation and the preservation of our world? Hi, I'm Dr Kirsten Banks, an astrophysicist and science communicator. Today we are going to explore how our understanding of natural and human made resources combined with the choices we make in utilising scientific and technological advances can help us conserve and preserve our planet, all through the fascinating lens of astronomy.

First, let's talk about the various resources we can obtain from earth's spheres. From the biosphere, we get food, medicine, and materials from plants and animals. The atmosphere provides us with essential gases like oxygen and nitrogen for breathing and industrial processes. The lithosphere gives us minerals and fossil fuels that we use for construction, energy and manufacturing production. And from the hydrosphere, we obtain water, which is crucial for drinking, agriculture and industry use. These spheres don't operate in isolation. Global systems rely on the complex interactions between them. For instance, plants in the biosphere need carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the hydrosphere to grow while they in turn release oxygen into the atmosphere. Similarly, weather patterns in the atmosphere are influenced by interactions with the hydrosphere and lithosphere. Understanding these connections is key to managing Earth's resources sustainably.

But did you know that space technologies also play a significant role in helping us manage these resources more effectively? Let's explore some remarkable examples of how innovations from space exploration contribute to the sustainable conservation of our planet's resources. Remote sensing and satellite monitoring allow us to track deforestation, pollution, and land use changes. This helps us make informed decisions to better manage our natural resources. Research into asteroid mining, for example, teaches us new ways to extract resources with minimal environmental impact. By learning from these studies, we can develop technologies to reduce the strain on earth's resources. Astronomical observations also contribute to our understanding of climate change. By studying how our planet's climate has evolved over time, we can develop strategies to protect vulnerable ecosystems and mitigate the adverse effects of global warming.

When considering the use of scientific and technological advances to obtain resources, we must make thoughtful choices. Space-based technologies, such as those used for environmental monitoring, provide critical data that inform our decisions. From data, we need to evaluate the environmental impact, economic viability, social and ethical implications, and long-term sustainability of our actions. Innovations developed for space missions like energy efficient technologies and advanced materials can be adapted for use on earth promoting sustainable practices.

When we look at our planet from space, we can see how everything on earth is connected. This big picture view, which we get from the help of technologies developed from space science, helps us understand why it's important to take care of our world for the long term. You have the power to use science and technology to solve real world problems. Whether it's finding new ways to use resources wisely, learning from indigenous knowledge about the land and water, or inventing new tools and methods, you can make a difference.

Together, we can help conserve and protect our amazing planet. Thanks for joining me on this adventure. Keep exploring the wonders of our universe and let's all work towards a future where earth stays healthy and beautiful. Remember, even small actions can make a big impact. Stay curious and keep looking up.

[NSW government logo.]

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[Light music plays, screen reads 'STEM Education'.]

Dr Kirsten Banks

Hi everyone, I'm Dr Kirsten Banks, and I'm an astrophysicist and science communicator.

But before we dive into the wonders of space, I wanted to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land I stand on today, the Burramattagal people of the Darug Nation. I pay my respects to their elders, past, present, and emerging. These stories aren't just stories, they are sophisticated ways of navigating the night sky, understanding the passage of time, and predicting things like weather patterns.

The patterns and constellations different Aboriginal groups saw in the night sky have some similarities to Western constellations, but they can also be very different. For instance, the constellation Orion, known as the Hunter in Western astronomy, is seen in a similar way in Wiradjuri star lore. We call him Baayami, a powerful, creative being. Another example is the Southern Cross. To us in Wiradjuri culture, it's the tree Yarran, and the two pointer stars next to it represent a cockatoo in our stories, and the pair together are called Mare Mare. However, we even have constellations that don't have stars at all.

These are dark constellations, and my favourite is the Emu, which many Aboriginal nations see in the dark parts of the Milky Way galaxy. The Emu in the sky, which we call Gugurmin, indicates when is the right time to go looking for Emu eggs. As its position in the night sky transforms, it indicates different stages during the seasonal cycle of Emu throughout the year. It's important to remember that Aboriginal nations across Australia have their own unique stories and constellations. While some constellations and stories have similarities across regions, others are entirely unique to specific Aboriginal groups, and that diversity of information and knowledge is incredible.

There's so much we can learn by integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific understanding. Science isn't something that exists in isolation, it builds upon the wisdom of those who came before us, and by respecting and learning from Aboriginal astronomy, we gain a richer perspective on the universe. So next time you look up at the stars, remember the stories shared across millennia. The universe is vast and a wondrous place, and both science and tradition offer unique ways to explore it.

[NSW government logo.]

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[Light music plays, screen reads 'STEM Education'.]

Dr Kirsten Banks

Are you curious to investigate space? Today, we're going to dive into some hands-on astronomy projects that you can do right from your own backyard.

Hi, I'm Dr Kirsten Banks, an astrophysicist and science communicator, and I'm here to show you some simple DIY projects that are a great way to learn about the night sky and have some fun while doing it.

First up, let's talk about building a simple telescope. You don't need fancy equipment to start looking at the stars. Here's what you'll need: two lenses, one with a shorter focal length and one with a longer focal length; a cardboard tube like a paper towel roll; tape; and scissors. Step by step, here's how you can put it together. Cut the cardboard tube to the desired length. Secure the lens with the shorter focal length at one end of the tube. Secure the lens with a longer focal length at the other end. Look through the lens with the shorter focal length and adjust the distance between the lenses until you get a clear image.

You can also explore images from NASA's Hobby-Eberly Telescope that fishes for real galaxies in a sea of noise. To get started, visit the project website. Click on the Classify tab in the upper right, complete the project tutorial, and start looking for ancient galaxies and black holes.

Next, let's track the phases of the moon. This project helps you understand how the moon changes shape throughout the month. Here's how you can do it. Get a notebook or a moon phase tracking chart. Every night, look up at the moon and draw its shape. Note the date and time of each observation. You might find that the moon is in a different part of the sky at the same time each night. Over a month, you'll see the moon go through its phases, from new moon to full moon and back. You can visit NASA's phases of the moon to understand which phase the moon is in.

Another great investigation could be exploring what the Hubble Space Telescope saw on your birthday. Visit the NASA Hubble multimedia website. Select your birthday month and date and see and read what was captured on your birthday.

With advances in technology, we also have applications that use augmented reality to help you explore the night sky. These apps can identify stars, planets, and constellations just by pointing your device at the sky. While I won't promote any specific app, I encourage you to explore these tools. They're a great way to learn more about astronomy and make your stargazing sessions even more informative.

The key message I wanna leave with you is that astronomy is accessible to everyone. You don't need expensive equipment to start exploring the night sky. With simple DIY projects and the help of modern technology, you can make astronomy a fun and engaging hobby. So, grab your materials, head outside and start discovering the wonders of our universe.

Thank you for joining me. Keep looking up and stay curious.

[NSW government logo.]

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[Light music plays, screen reads 'STEM Education'.]

Adam Spencer

Welcome, everyone. Today we're joined by the phenomenal Dr. Kirsten Banks. She's a brilliant astrophysicist unravelling the mysteries of the universe. Dr. Banks, thanks so much for being here.

Dr Kirsten Banks

Thanks for having me. It's an honour and a privilege to be here today.

Adam Spencer

Let's dive right in. Dr. Banks, tell us about your journey as a female astrophysicist. What sparked your passion for the cosmos?

Dr Kirsten Banks

Well, it all started when my science teachers took my entire year group at an excursion to see a documentary about the Hubble Space Telescope. When I learned about just how much information we can extract from distant objects in space just by looking at the light they throw in our direction, I knew I just had to do that with my life.

Adam Spencer

Oh, I do like that story. As you know, STEM fields haven't always been as welcoming to women. Can you elaborate on the challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them?

Dr Kirsten Banks

Absolutely. One of the significant hurdles was a lack of visible female role models in astrophysics. Growing up, I didn't see many women in the public eye within the field, which made it difficult to envision myself in that career. It's often said that you can't be what you can't see, and this absence of representation can be discouraging for young aspiring scientists. Luckily, I was stubborn enough to just do it anyway, though. But fortunately, throughout my career I've had the privilege of being part of a supportive and inclusive community.

Adam Spencer

I think we all agree that science thrives on diversity, but can you share some of the successes you've achieved and how leading diverse teams has benefited your research?

Dr Kirsten Banks

Oh, yes, I totally agree with this. One great example of this in my research career has been a research paper I published during my PhD. My strengths lay in understanding the data and the stars that we were analysing. However, the success of this research was greatly enhanced by the diverse expertise within the team. We used a machine learning algorithm to analyse different aspects of the light from the stars. While I had a deep understanding of the astronomical data, I relied on the expertise of a team member who had developed and fine tuned the specific version of the algorithm we used, and their knowledge was crucial in interpreting the results accurately and ensuring the algorithm was employed correctly. Additionally, we also incorporated auxiliary information from asteroseismology. Although I wasn't an expert in this area, I leveraged the skills of team members who specialised in asteroseismology. Their insights and expertise were invaluable in integrating this additional data into our analysis. So, by harnessing the complementary strengths of each team member, we were able to produce a robust and well-received research paper, which is now published in a journal. And this experience really underscores the power of these diverse perspectives that we're talking about and the expertise in driving this scientific process.

Adam Spencer

Absolutely, couldn't agree more. Leading teams can be challenging. Perhaps you can share some strategies that you'd recommend for overcoming these barriers.

Dr Kirsten Banks

I've learned some valuable strategies that I believe are crucial for overcoming some of these barriers. One of the most important strategies, I think, is ensuring that everyone's thoughts and contributions are heard and validated. Because effective communication and group management hinge on creating an environment where team members feel respected and valued. So, when each person knows when their input is appreciated, it fosters this collaborative atmosphere and encourages open dialogue. But while I still have a lot to learn about leading teams, this strategy has been essential in navigating the challenges, enhancing the team collaboration.

Adam Spencer

That's fantastic advice. Now let's talk about the bigger picture. Sadly, women are still underrepresented in STEM careers. Why is it so important to have more women in STEM leadership?

Dr Kirsten Banks

Look, bringing more women to the table benefits everyone, because diverse perspectives lead to more innovative solutions and more comprehensive problem solving. When women are represented in STEM leadership, we gain a broader range of ideas, approaches, and experiences, which can drive creativity and advancement in the field. Having women in leadership roles also serves as a powerful role model effect. It helps break down the stereotypes and shows the next generation of young women that STEM careers are not only attainable, but also rewarding. And this visibility can help inspire more women to pursue and persist in STEM fields, helping to balance the representation and ensure that talent from all backgrounds is celebrated.

Adam Spencer

Well, these are powerful points, Dr. Banks. This message is especially important for young women watching. Dr. Banks, what advice would you give to girls who are interested in pursuing STEM careers?

Dr Kirsten Banks

My advice to girls interested in pursuing STEM careers is simple but powerful. STEM is for everyone, and your brilliant minds are exactly what it needs. Remember, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. If a career in STEM is something that you are passionate about, know that there is a place for you here. And don't let anyone or anything deter you from pursuing your dreams. Find and build a community of people who support and encourage you. Surround yourself with mentors, friends, and peers who nurture your interests and help you grow. Because with the right support system, you can overcome challenges and achieve great things for yourself and for our community. So, keep exploring, stay curious, and believe in your potential, because the world of STEM is vast and full of opportunities, and your unique contributions can make a significant impact. So, embrace your passion and know that your journey in STEM is not only valuable, but also incredibly important.

Adam Spencer

Well, there you go. Thanks for sharing in this fun chat with one of Australia's great scientists. Perhaps in a few years, I'll be interviewing you. Dr. Banks, thank you for sharing your incredible story and inspiring words. As always, it's been a pleasure.

Dr Kirsten Banks

Thank you for having me. And remember, the universe is waiting to be explored, and it's ready for you to uncover its secrets.

[NSW government logo.]

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