Kirsten Vanstone
Astronomy Educator, Morrison Planetarium
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco

What is my job: Astronomy Educator, Morrison Planetarium in San Francisco

How did I get here: The short answer: I drove my car. The long answer: A project on the Solar System in grade 2, combined with stargazing at my cottage as a kid got me interested in astronomy. I studied Astronomy and Physics at the University of Toronto. At the same time, I got a summer job "Hosting" at a science center -- giving science demonstrations and helping people understand the scientific principles behind the exhibits. I decided that I was more interested in science communication than research, and stayed at the science center until after I graduated. I got involved with local amateur astronomy groups and did lots of public observing and education. I had decided that I wanted to work in a large planetarium - and when I saw that Morrison Planetarium needed some help, I applied for the job and got it. I consider myself very lucky, since there aren't that many large planetaria around - and this is one of the best, so I've learned a lot!

What is the most exciting thing about my job: When a big astronomical discovery is made, or something interesting is going to happen in the sky, I have a lot to do - answering questions from the public etc. That's always a busy and rewarding time. And those occasions when I've given a planetarium show and no one has fallen asleep are exciting too.

What my workday is like: I spend a lot of time reading astronomy news on the internet. I answer phone calls from people who have seen something in the sky and want to know what it is. I write a lot, including a short daily newspaper column. One day a week, I give shows in the Planetarium Theater. I also work in the evenings, hosting lectures by astronomers from all over the world, and helping host meetings of local amateur astronomers.

Projects I'm working on: We're trying to re-do some of the shows that we show to school groups - and I'm working on those. We're also constantly talking about new equipment to use in the Planetarium, and new exhibits to display outside.

Why did I pick this as a career: I've loved astronomy since I did a project on the solar system in grade 2. This career gives me a chance to work with astronomy every day. I also like working with people and getting them excited about science. I get to be creative all the time - which is very important to me. Coming to work is like going on a field trip!

Claim to Fame: I used to make people's hair stand on end for a living.
Favorite Bands/Music: Gee, I've got a couple of hundred CD's. Stacked on top of my player right now are: Crowded House, Dire Straits, Great Big Sea and the Tragically Hip.
Favorite Food: Purple Smarties (the chocolate ones… )
Favorite movie: Probably Star Wars. Close 2nd - Never Cry Wolf.
Favorite book: Too many to choose… maybe Cosmos by Carl Sagan. I love mysteries as a genre - Ngaio Marsh being my favorite mystery writer. I still re-read The Lord of the Rings, but I've hated just about all other fantasy books I've ever read. Some recently enjoyed books: Bellwether and To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis, Factoring Humanity and The Terminal Experiment by Robert Sawyer, Orbital Resonance by John Barnes.