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Nov. 15, 2006
More Mail!
More mail!!! Thank you! Keep it coming. There's nothing like mail to put a smile on an author's face! The best part of this job is hearing from you.
Sandy, 10, from Santa Barbara, CA wrote about the "Name the Eleventh Planet" challenge.
Sandy — I want to name the eleventh planet Zeroid.
Julie — Hi Sandy. Interesting name. I like it! Thank you! It sounds like a good one to use in a story, doesn't it?
Alexis, 13, from Philly, PA, Jessica, 14, from Glendale, AZ, Karanveer, 11, from New Delhi, and John, 7, from San Jose, CA were all interested in the "Choose Your Destination!" challenge, where science fiction writers shared their ideas of where they'd like to travel in our solar system.
Alexis — I will like to see this.
Julie — Me too, Alexis. It's exciting to imagine visiting these places in person. I don't know where I'd start first!
Jessica — I would want to go to Jupiter because I would want to walk on it and to see the giant storm and the planet.
Julie — The only problem with walking on Jupiter, Jessica, is that we're not sure there's anything to walk on. It's a giant ball of gas. That doesn't mean it's impossible to go there and see it. You could have a great view from any of Jupiter's moons. But I wouldn't give up the idea of a closer look. Many people are looking for ways to enter the atmosphere of Jupiter and see what's hiding beneath the clouds.
Karanveer — In solar system I would like to go to moon because I want to see from my own eyes that how does the moon look. I want to become an astronaut like Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin. I like to read science news like you like to read science news. I promise that when I will become an astronaut I will take you to space.
Julie — Karanveer, thank you! You've no idea how happy I was to read this. ::huge smile:: While I won't hold you to that promise, I wish you all the best. Though if you do remember me in years to come . . . I won't say no to an offer like that!
John — I want to go to Mars because I want to see Olympus Mons.
Julie — It would be incredible, wouldn't it? I see photos of this immense volcano and try to imagine how high it is, but I can't. You're right, John. The way to find out is to go there!
Nicole, 11, from Pomona, CA wrote about the "Around Our Star the Acme Way!" challenge, about how to encourage interest in space tourism.
Nicole — I think this challenge would be fun to try. Space and the planets are fun to learn about!
Julie — I'm with you, Nicole. Our solar system is amazing. The more I learn, the more I want to know!
Stephanie, 12, from Glendale, AZ wrote about the "There Be Dragons" challenge, where I talked about the difference between science fiction dragons and fantasy dragons.
Stephanie — Hey, dragons were real. I may sound funny but I know they did, and I get mad when people say they didn't. I love dragons!!!!
Julie — We use the word dragon to refer to many things, Stephanie. Don't be angry at anyone. For example, I was talking about dragons as characters in stories, which is very common and popular. I love them, too. You can tell if a story was written as a fantasy or science fiction by how those dragons are explained by the author. Outside of stories? A herpetologist, a person who studies reptiles, would agree with you completely about dragons being real. There are many alive today, including the Komodo dragon. Many important myths and legends from around the world contain dragons. As for me, dinosaurs remain my favorite type of dragon.
Annaliese, 13, from Stamford, CT wrote about the "Real-life Monsters" challenge, where you were to make your own, scary one!
Annaliese — I named my monster the blobbyboo. It's ugly and it can shapeshift. When it isn't shifting, it's a blob (hence the name). Sorry, I don't have a pic of it.
Julie — Love the name, Annaliese!!! Thank you! Monsters who can change shape are very popular in science fiction. I remember hiding behind my brother the first time I saw Invasion of the Body Snatchers. In that movie ::shudder:: the monsters took the shape of normal people, so you didn't know who was real! Okay, I'm scaring myself again!
To all who have taken time to write to me care of Science News for Kids, thank you very much. Please keep your e-mails coming! I look forward to opening my mailbox again soon!—Julie Czerneda.
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