While conducting tours for groups of around 20 people at the Sydney Observatory, Dr Kirsten Banks frequently used indoor venues like the planetarium or 3D theatre when cloudy weather blocked telescope access. During a presentation on black holes, she explained the concept of spaghettification by describing a human falling feet-first into the void. An eight-year-old girl in the audience promptly asked if the blood would become the pasta sauce, an observation that was both jarring and technically fitting. The memorable interaction is documented in Banks's book, *Lost in Space: Curiously Cosmic Stories*, published by Pan Macmillan Australia.
Key points
The unexpected inquiry led Banks to substitute stars for human bodies when describing gra…: The unexpected inquiry led Banks to substitute stars for human bodies when describing gravitational stretching in later presentations.
The interaction demonstrated to the guide that audience curiosity can surface in varied a…: The interaction demonstrated to the guide that audience curiosity can surface in varied and highly unexpected ways.
The educational reflection is drawn from Banks's book, *Lost in Space: Curiously Cosmic S…: The educational reflection is drawn from Banks's book, *Lost in Space: Curiously Cosmic Stories*, released by Pan Macmillan Australia.
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In the first year of my science degree, I was fortunate to land a job as an astronomy guide at the Sydney Observatory. In my role, I would lead tour groups of about 20 people. We’d look at stars and planets through telescopes. If the skies were filled from horizon to horizon with clouds, we’d explore more of the universe through a 3D theatre. And to peer beyond what our telescopes could see, we’d pile inside the cosy planetarium, seeing what the light pollution of Sydney and clouds would often obstruct from our view.
My favourite object to show in the planetarium was the Hubble Ultra Deep Field image. Before revealing the image, I’d explain how the Hubble space telescope had stared at a piece of sky the size of a grain of sand held at arm’s length for 11 days, collecting enough light to look into the farthest corners of the universe. Then I’d zoom in on that tiny piece of sky, revealing the gorgeous image. At least one person would audibly gasp at the reveal.
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