Reaching for the Stars: MSUM Planetarium Director Shines in “Japan Meets LIPS” at Global Conference

Sara K. Schultz, Planetarium Director, brought a U.S. perspective to an international stage at the International Planetarium Society conference in the session “Japan Meets LIPS.” A regular contributor to and practitioner of the Live Interactive Planetarium Symposium (LIPS), Schultz represented American approaches to live, audience-driven planetarium programming, demonstrating techniques that prioritize real-time dialogue, adaptability, and immersive storytelling. Presenting to an audience largely composed of Japanese informal science educators, she highlighted how interactive methods can deepen engagement and foster curiosity in diverse learning environments. Her contribution underscored the growing global exchange of best practices in planetarium education and reinforced LIPS as a dynamic platform for innovation in live science communication.