The Detroit Observatory is excited to present Big Astronomy, featuring MSU Abrams Planetarium Director, Dr. Shannon Schmoll, as part of our monthly Movie Night series. Each Movie Night showcases a documentary or feature film, followed by a conversation with experts on the subject matter or production. Film screening begins at 7PM, followed by a conversation with Dr. Shannon Schmoll.

Big Astronomy or Astronomia a Gran Escala shares the story of the people and places who make big astronomy and big science happen. The show takes visitors to the extreme sites where astronomy happens in the most extreme environments and with some of the most interesting people. Produced by the California Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Shannon Schmoll is the Director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University where she runs programs for Pre-College students. She has a joint degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics and Education at the University of Michigan. Her dissertation research was on how to integrate planetarium field trips into formal K-12 education using the digital planetarium at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. She began work on astronomy in Chile as part of the 2015 Astronomy in Chile Educator Ambassadors Program. She serves as chair of the International Planetarium Society’s education committee and sits on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee where she continues to explore new ways of teaching the public the wonders of the universe and making it accessible for everyone.

Night sky observing with the Detroit Observatory's historic will take place after the program, weather permitting.