If you’re a Jerry Ross student, you’re treated every few years to a visit from Colonel Jerry Ross himself. And that means you get to meet an astronaut. 

This week, Colonel Ross visited students at Jerry Ross Elementary. Before the school day even began, students came dressed in red, white, and blue. They brainstormed questions for Mr. Ross, and many of the students have already read his book for elementary children, Becoming a Spacewalker. 

Audible gasps could be heard from students as he entered each classroom to say hello. Eyes were wide and smiles abundant. After all, it’s not every day that someone who built a space station just stops by. Students were treated to a presentation from Mr. Ross via Zoom that they watched in their classrooms, with a Q&A session that followed.

But what in the world do you ask a man who has literally been out of this world? 

Some of the questions from our students are below. They were both heartwarming and imaginative. It reminded us that no matter how long we’ve been out of elementary school, we’d all love to spend the morning visiting with an astronaut.

• What does it feel like to go into space, and what does zero gravity feel like?

• What is the most amazing thing you saw in space?

• Did you like math in school?

• Is space hot or cold?

• How long were you an astronaut? (When Mr. Ross answered this student with a range of years, she did the mental math to correctly announce “32!”)

• Did anyone ever tell you that you wouldn’t be able to do the things you’ve accomplished?

• What was your favorite astronaut food?

• How hard was it to get into the space program?