From Stargazer to Spacefarer: Benedetta Facini's Extraordinary Journey to Astronaut Training

Imagine dedicating your spare time to peering into the mysteries of the Sun, cataloging its dynamic spots alongside fellow enthusiasts worldwide. Now, imagine that dedication propelling you towards the ultimate dream: becoming an astronaut. This is the inspiring reality of Benedetta Facini, an astrophysicist and former NASA citizen scientist who is now part of the European Space Agency's (ESA) astronaut class of 2022.

Her story is a testament to the profound impact of citizen science and the power of unwavering passion.

Benedetta's path was not a straight shot to the stars. After completing her PhD in astrophysics at University College London, her work focused on understanding how the Sun's activity influences Earth's atmosphere, particularly during the transition from ancient Mars to its current, less hospitable state.

It was during this period that she stumbled upon NASA's Sunspotter project, a citizen science initiative hosted on the Zooniverse platform. Sunspotter invites volunteers to classify images of sunspots, contributing vital data to solar physicists.

For Benedetta, Sunspotter was more than just a hobby; it was an extension of her professional curiosity.

She found joy in contributing to a shared scientific endeavor, marveling at the collective effort of thousands of volunteers. The project not only helped refine her understanding of solar physics but also connected her with a global community of amateur and professional scientists, all driven by a shared fascination with our star.

Her involvement in projects like Sunspotter and other research activities eventually led her to a postdoctoral position at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, deepening her engagement with space weather and heliophysics.

Her work at NASA Goddard continued to explore the intricate dance between the Sun and Earth, focusing on how solar activity drives space weather and affects our planet's atmosphere.

This cutting-edge research provided a solid foundation, but the call of space itself was always lingering. When ESA announced its call for new astronauts, Benedetta, with her robust scientific background and unique experience in citizen science, felt compelled to apply.

The selection process for ESA astronauts is notoriously rigorous, testing candidates on everything from scientific acumen to psychological resilience and physical aptitude.

Benedetta's success in navigating these challenges highlights her exceptional capabilities. She emphasizes that while her citizen science work wasn't a direct criterion for astronaut selection, the skills honed through it – meticulous observation, pattern recognition, data analysis, and a collaborative spirit – undoubtedly contributed to her overall profile.

Now, as an astronaut candidate, Benedetta is undergoing intensive training, preparing for a future that could see her living and working in orbit.

Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that scientific exploration is not limited to laboratories and academic institutions. Citizen science offers a unique gateway for anyone to contribute meaningfully to research, fostering a global community of discovery. Benedetta Facini's inspiring trajectory proves that sometimes, the path to becoming a spacefarer can begin with a simple, passionate look at the Sun from Earth, through the lens of a citizen scientist.