Local second-graders talk to astronaut aboard the International Space Station – WLWT Cincinnati

What could possibly quiet dozens of second graders, to the point that you could hear a pin drop? Perhaps talking to a real, live astronaut who's currently in space. "A lot of people have not had that opportunity and probably never will," said Maple Dale Elementary second-grader Luke Brown.Brown, an aspiring astronaut, took full advantage of the once in a lifetime opportunity. He asked Dr. Drew Morgan firsthand one of his burning questions about being on the International Space Station. "The sole purpose is to develop interest on the part of the youth in becoming astronauts and becoming familiar with science, technology and mathematics," said Dale R. Williams director of Great Lakes Division American Radio Relay League.The out of this world experience came together with the help of amateur radio operators."We set up radio equipment here on stage and put antennas on the roof of the building with motorized action on those," said Williams.From there, the radio operators track the space station across the sky. Williams said knowing when they'll get access is very predictable.Second-graders from Montgomery, Symmes and Blue Ash elementary schools all traveled to Maple Dale to participate. The event was livestreamed so that other grade levels could watch and hear.

What could possibly quiet dozens of second graders, to the point that you could hear a pin drop? Perhaps talking to a real, live astronaut who's currently in space.

"A lot of people have not had that opportunity and probably never will," said Maple Dale Elementary second-grader Luke Brown.

Brown, an aspiring astronaut, took full advantage of the once in a lifetime opportunity. He asked Dr. Drew Morgan firsthand one of his burning questions about being on the International Space Station.

"The sole purpose is to develop interest on the part of the youth in becoming astronauts and becoming familiar with science, technology and mathematics," said Dale R. Williams director of Great Lakes Division American Radio Relay League.

The out of this world experience came together with the help of amateur radio operators.

"We set up radio equipment here on stage and put antennas on the roof of the building with motorized action on those," said Williams.

From there, the radio operators track the space station across the sky.

Williams said knowing when they'll get access is very predictable.

Second-graders from Montgomery, Symmes and Blue Ash elementary schools all traveled to Maple Dale to participate. The event was livestreamed so that other grade levels could watch and hear.

Go here to see the original:
Local second-graders talk to astronaut aboard the International Space Station - WLWT Cincinnati