Space influencers: In the vast expanse of the digital universe, a new breed of influencers has emerged, captivating audiences with their cosmic content and interstellar insights.
From astronomy enthusiasts to space exploration advocates, these individuals have transformed social media platforms into virtual observatories, sharing the wonders of the cosmos with millions. In this age of technological advancement and increasing interest in the mysteries beyond our planet, space influencers have become the guiding stars for those seeking a celestial escape from the mundane.
As we navigate the boundless realms of the internet, we encounter a constellation of space influencers whose stellar content ranges from awe-inspiring astrophotography to thought-provoking discussions on the future of space exploration. Each influencer brings a unique perspective to the cosmic table, contributing to the democratization of space knowledge and fostering a global community of stargazers.
In this article, we will delve into the orbits of five space influencers who have captured our imaginations and played a pivotal role in shaping the way we perceive and engage with the cosmos in the digital age.
Alexander Gerst (Astro Alex)
Alexander Gerst, born on May 3, 1976, in Künzelsau, Germany, is a German ESA astronaut and geophysicist. He was one of 8,413 applicants who applied to the ESA Astronaut Corps in 2008 and has been a member of the ESA Astronaut Corps since 2009.
His Instagram profile boasts over 315K followers today, and he shares content related to the preparation required before a space mission, the challenges, and the problems that astronauts are called upon to face. Also known as Astro Alex, he is one of the most renowned space influencers, with his photos and videos garnering thousands of interactions from his audience.
Athena Brensberger (Astroathens)
Athena Brensberger is an astronomer and science communicator who founded Astroathens, LLC, in 2014 to ignite curiosity about science in young adults and children. Dedicated to increasing the representation of women and girls in STEM fields, she produces captivating and educational content.
She has over 82K followers on Instagram, primarily sharing videos featuring amusing and clever facts about space, footage of rocket launches and recordings of various space phenomena.
Kobi Brown (AstroKobi)
Kobi Brown, also recognized by his channel alias ‘AstroKobi,’ is a prominent American content creator on TikTok, a social media influencer, and a YouTuber. Renowned for his astronomical content, Kobi specializes in producing videos centred around stars, the moon, various planets, galaxies, and intriguing facts related to space.
AstroKobi has over 1.85 million subscribers on his YouTube channel and more than 1.1 million followers on Instagram. He creates explainer videos about space, which easily go viral. With topics such as “4 planets better for life than Earth” or “You will never see the Milky Way again,” he manages to captivate his followers and subscribers, who eagerly await his latest videos.
Kirsten Banks (AstroKirsten)
Kirsten Alexandra Banks is an Indigenous Australian astrophysicist and science communicator of the Wiradjuri people, recognized for her efforts in promoting both mainstream and Aboriginal astronomy. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Physics at the University of New South Wales in 2018 and has worked at the Sydney Observatory.
Known as Astro Kirsten on social media, she boasts over 156K followers on Instagram, where she predominantly shares videos presenting informative content about space and space missions with a cheerful demeanour. Simultaneously, she offers glimpses into her moments and her challenges as a researcher.
Alyssa Carson (nasablueberry)
Alyssa Carson is an American space enthusiast and doctoral student with a rich history of attending numerous space camps and visiting every NASA visitor centre. Recognized by various news outlets, public interest publications, and interview shows as an unofficial astronaut-in-training, she has garnered substantial attention for her passion and commitment to space exploration.
Her Instagram profile, nasablueberry, boasts nearly half a million followers, while she enjoys comparable popularity on TikTok with an audience of almost 200K followers. Her videos, characterized by a fun and relaxed approach, aim to elucidate complex concepts of space and space technology in a youthful and engaging manner.
