A group of students from PS24 Elementary School in Flushing recently participated in a unique “Trip to Space” event at the Flushing Library, where they had the opportunity to engage in a live dialogue with astronauts aboard the International Space Station, located approximately 400 kilometers above Earth. This interactive session allowed the students to gain firsthand insight into life in space and scientific exploration.
On March 11th at 12:05 PM, NASA astronauts Christopher Williams and Jack Hathaway connected with the students from Flushing from aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as it orbited the Earth at a speed of around 17,500 miles per hour. The event was organized by the Queens Library, and both students and parents participated in the event at the Flushing Library.
Prior to the event, students submitted questions which the astronauts answered from space. The questions ranged from the astronauts’ daily activities on the space station to their experiences conducting scientific experiments and working in a weightless environment. The students were full of curiosity and engaged in real-time interactions to learn about how astronauts sleep, eat, and conduct research tasks in the confined space of the ISS. This event sparked a strong interest among the children in space exploration and scientific technology.
The organizers emphasized that libraries serve not only as places for reading and learning but also as important platforms to stimulate the imagination and spirit of exploration in young people. The live connection with the International Space Station was a prime example of how libraries promote science education and encourage students to explore the wonders of technology and the universe.
Furthermore, the library features screens that display information about the operation of the International Space Station and a device called “ISS-Above.” When the space station passes over New York, the device lights up to alert people, allowing them to look up and observe the station in the sky.
The organizers encouraged students and parents to visit the Flushing Library to learn more about the International Space Station and space exploration, aiming to nurture a continued interest in science and technology.