Detroit, Mich., Oct. 5, 2023 – Starting on Saturday, October 14th, the Michigan Science Center’s (Mi-Sci) film series adds stories on pandas, astronomy and weather to its fall lineup. The new films include “Pandas: The Journey Home,” “Big Astronomy” and “Extreme Weather,” joining “National Parks Adventure,” “Turtle Odyssey 4D,” “A Lunar Journey” and “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure.” A musical laser show will also rotate monthly in the IMAX® Dome Theatre.
“Mi-Sci’s three theaters offer unique immersive experiences that put our guests at the center of science,” said Mi-Sci President and CEO, Dr. Christian Greer. “Our fall features will appeal to various ages and interests, transporting audiences to exotic ecosystems, distant countries, and far away worlds.”
In the IMAX® Dome Theatre, “Pandas: The Journey Home” educates audiences on pandas’ habits and endangerment while following a team of Chinese scientists working to save them from extinction.
“Big Astronomy,” inside the Planetarium, takes viewers to three world-class observatories in Chile to learn about the powerful telescopes and ground-breaking astronomical research happening in these extreme remote parts of the world.
“Extreme Weather” in the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater explores nature’s most powerful forces and travels to the frontlines of collapsing glaciers, massive wildfires and mesmerizing tornadoes as scientists work to understand these phenomena and how people can adapt to ever-changing meteorological conditions.
Details on the entire film series include:
“Pandas: The Journey Home” (IMAX®)
Pandas are a lovable, iconic, and — unfortunately — highly endangered species. Meet the dedicated team working tirelessly to save these captivating creatures from extinction. The pandas’ fascinating habits and unique personalities will leave you with a huge appreciation for the animals and the individuals working to protect them. Recommended for all ages.
“National Parks Adventure” (IMAX)
Narrated by Academy Award® winner Robert Redford, National Parks Adventure takes audiences on the ultimate off-trail adventure into the nation’s awe-inspiring great outdoors and untamed wilderness. Immersive IMAX® 3D cinematography takes viewers soaring over red rock canyons, hurtling up craggy mountain peaks and into other-worldly realms found within America’s most legendary outdoor playgrounds, including Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Yosemite, and Arches. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the national parks with world-class mountaineer Conrad Anker, adventure photographer Max Lowe and artist Rachel Pohl as they hike, climb and explore their way across America’s majestic parks in an action-packed expedition that will inspire the adventurer in us all.
“Big Astronomy” (Planetarium)
Journey to three world-class observatories in Chile’s rugged Andes Mountains and arid Atacama Desert — remote, extreme regions that happen to have the perfect conditions for astronomical research. You’ll meet an inspiring cast of astronomers, engineers, technicians, and support staff who keep these
mega-machines running. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
“A Lunar Journey” (Planetarium)
Join us as we learn a little more about our nearest celestial neighbor, the moon. Together, we’ll check out the many shapes it makes, learn more about eclipses, and find out more about other moons in our solar system. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
“One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” (Planetarium)
Join Big Bird and Elmo and their new friend Hu Hu Zhu as they explore the night sky and journey to the Moon and back!
“Extreme Weather” (Toyota 4D Engineering Theater)
Get closer than you’ve ever been to collapsing glaciers, out-of-control wildfires, and tornado-whipped debris while discovering the surprising connections among these powerful forces. Recommended for ages 7 and up.
Turtle Odyssey 4D (Toyota 4D Engineering Theater)
Explore the unique lifecycle of an Australian green sea turtle named Bunji and her incredible journey across the open ocean. Narrated by Russel Crowe.
Standard Mi-Sci films are available as a $6 add-on to general admission tickets ($3 for members). Tickets, showtimes and other details are available at www.mi-sci.org. Mi-Sci is located at 5020 John R. Street in Midtown, Detroit and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday and until 8 p.m. the first Friday of every month.
About The Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci) is a Smithsonian affiliate that inspires nearly 250,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) discovery, innovation and interactive education in Detroit and across Michigan. As a STEM hub, Mi-Sci focuses on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits and initiatives to empower and enrich our children and community. Through their Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, ECHO Live!, Mi-Sci is expanding beyond its Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater, live science demonstrations, lab activities and 220+ interactive exhibits, there are dozens of ways to customize your Mi-Sci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive funding from Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.