Have you ever imagined exploring the outer space and fancied being an astronaut? Maybe, it is time for you to convert your dreams into reality now. A new initiative, started by a children’s TV channel Nickelodeon, it will choose five children in the country and give them a lifetime opportunity of visiting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) centre in the US. The contest has already started and is open till February 24, where children will have to write an essay explaining why they love astronomy.
Professor Patricia H. Reiff, director of Rice Space Institute, who is in India to talk to children about the various career options they can choose in the field of astronomy says, “Astronomy comprises many career opportunities and there is much to be explored. There are many jobs that don’t necessarily mean being an astronaut. One can be an engineer, educator, scientist, chip designer and so much more.” Having served on the advisory committees of premiere institutions like NASA and NCAR (National Centre for Atmospheric Research), Reiff says that India has always been a major contributor in the field of astronomy.
Asha Sundararajan, an educationist, a certified NASA instructor and a space expert says, “The fascination for outer space and astronomy needs to be tapped into at the right time. Children need to be given that freedom of thought to explore and understand what they want.”