High School Intern Launches Public Planetarium Show on NASA’s New Roman Space Telescope

Throughout the internship, Hammer immersed himself in the science behind one of NASA’s most anticipated space missions while gaining firsthand experience in planetarium operations and visualization software. He independently researched the telescope, wrote the show’s script, curated images and media assets, and organized complex scientific concepts into an engaging presentation designed for a general audience. On August 29, the evening before the telescope’s successful launch, Hammer debuted the show to the public at the MSUM Planetarium.

The internship exemplifies Minnesota State Moorhead’s commitment to experiential learning and regional engagement, two key pillars of the university’s Strategic Framework. By connecting a local high school student with university resources, scientific research, and public outreach opportunities, the partnership provided a meaningful, hands-on learning experience that transformed classroom curiosity into real-world impact.

The collaboration also highlights the unique role of the MSUM Planetarium as a bridge between the university and the region. Through partnerships like this, students gain access to authentic scientific and professional experiences while contributing to educational programming that benefits the broader community. Hammer’s work not only expanded his own knowledge of astronomy and science communication but also helped bring one of humanity’s newest space observatories to local audiences in a timely and accessible way.

“Jacob’s project demonstrates what is possible when universities, schools, and community partners work together to create meaningful learning opportunities,” Schultz said. “He took ownership of every stage of the process and delivered a professional-quality program that made cutting-edge space science accessible to the public.”