ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani teacher Aimun Faisal from Karachi yesterday posted questions of her 4th grade students to NASA, which were surprisingly replied by famous astronaut and science communicator.
An astronaut Chris Hadfield and internationally recognized science communicator Emily Calandrelli replied to the questions of young children on twitter.
Yesterday, six children of a private school in Karachi wrote a letter to NASA and innocently asked questions. This letter was later posted on twitter by their teacher.
Rayyan, 10 years of age questioned NASA that do you get scared that your space shuttle might get lost? Replied by Chris Hadfield, Rayyan – I was not scared that we would get lost. We had the Earth nearby, and used the stars to steer. I felt especially comforted when I flew our home. Chris also attached the photo he took of Karachi from space and asked Rayyan to find his school.
Emily Calanderlli also replied to Rayyan mentioning that she is not an astronaut but highlighted that spaceship flight that is dangerous, so NASA trains astronuats and their team back on Earth for every possible scenario. They are prepared for everything!
Haniyah, 9 years of age inquired that is it true that it rains diamonds on Jupiter? Emily Calanderlli replied it’s definitely possible Haniyah. The same physics and chemistry that create diamonds here on Earth exists on planets like Jupiter so some scientists hypothesize that it’s raining diamonds there. She also asked that would not it be fun to see that.
Marukh, 9 years of age asked that how do you feel when you get blasted off in a space shuttle? Emily Calanderlli replied that I hear it’s like riding a roller coaster. I rode one with shuttle astronaut Jon McBride who explained that the same gravitational forces you feel on shuttle launch can be felt by riding a roller coaster. Highest is about 3 gram which feels like 3 times your weight.
Anabyia, 9 years of age questioned that what is the most fascinating thing you have discovered yet? Emily Calanderlli replied that NASA is discovering new things all the time (about the universe, our solar system, and own bodies) but in my opinion their best work is our own planet. NASA’s Earth Observing System studies the Earth and shows us how climate change is affecting our planet.
Alisha, age 10 wanted to know that what fuel a spaceship uses. Emily Calandrelli told Alisha that all different types, some popular rockets that you will see will use a fuel plus an oxidizer. For example, something called RP-1 and then liquid oxygen. These are combined together and then *ignited* and burned to create a big (controlled) explosion that moves the rocket!
Minahil, age 10 wanted to know that what she would study to become a part of NASA. Emily Calanderlli replied, Minahil – NASA needs all types of people for their missions! Mostly scientists and engineers (so studying a STEM degree is a good idea!) but also IT people, human resources specialists, accountants, technicians, writers, etc! But remember you will probably need to be a US citizen.
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