Who Is Astro Adventures?
Astro Adventures is a mobile astronomy education and entertainment business based in Essexville, Michigan, founded by veteran educators Mike Murray and Christina Scott. We design and deliver live astronomy presentations, telescope and binocular viewing sessions, night sky tours, and telescope workshops for schools, parks, libraries, civic groups, clubs, and private events. With more than forty years of combined planetarium, museum, National Park, and NASA experience, we use clear language and vivid visuals so everyone can enjoy exploring the universe.
Expertise That Brings the Universe Closer
We blend museum‑level expertise with the warmth of true educators, delivering astronomy experiences that feel personal, engaging, and accessible to every age group. With decades of hands‑on work in planetariums, National Parks, and NASA‑supported programs, we bring a rare combination of scientific accuracy and friendly storytelling. Our sessions are built to spark curiosity, simplify complex ideas, and create memorable moments for classrooms, families, and lifelong learners alike.
Our Journey Through the Stars
Astro Adventures began with two educators who spent their careers helping people understand the night sky in museums, schools, and NASA outreach programs across the country. Their shared passion for making astronomy approachable grew into a mission: bring high‑quality, science‑based experiences directly to communities. Today, that mission continues through programs designed to inspire wonder, encourage learning, and connect people of all ages with the universe above them.
Curiosity
We invite every question and treat curiosity as the starting point.
Inclusivity
We welcome all ages and backgrounds, no prior astronomy experience required.
Community
We stay active in planetarium, NASA, and National Park education communities.
Mike Murray
Co-Owner and Presenter
Mike Murray grew up staring at the stars and never really stopped. As Manager and Resident Astronomer at the Delta College Planetarium, he has spent more than forty years designing shows, training presenters, and helping visitors feel at home under the night sky. Many people recognize his voice from the Backyard Astronomer segment on NPR, where he chats about what you can see with just your eyes or a simple pair of binoculars.
Mike has worked with museums, NASA programs, National Parks, STEM festivals, and astronomy clubs, so he knows how to read a room and keep all ages tuned in. His favorite moments are the quiet gasps when someone sees Saturn's rings for the first time. Mike brings that same easygoing style to every Astro Adventures program and loves helping planners shape events that fit their goals.
Christina Scott
Co-Owner and Presenter
Christina Scott comes to Astro Adventures with a rare mix of classroom teaching and NASA outreach experience. As a former NASA Aerospace Education Specialist, she guided teachers, principals, and students through hands-on activities that connected real missions with everyday science lessons. Before that, she taught elementary and middle school, so she understands exactly what teachers juggle when they invite a presenter in.
Chris has led programs for Clark Planetarium, Kirkpatrick Planetarium, and the NASA Space Grant Consortium, and she has introduced thousands of kids to the thrill of looking up with purpose. She is known for turning complex ideas into simple, memorable demonstrations that students talk about long after the lights come up. When you plan an event with Astro Adventures, Christina helps match the right topics and activities to your group, so everyone leaves feeling included and inspired.
Portability
Flexibility
Storytelling
Great Lakes Planetarium Association
A regional network of planetarium professionals dedicated to advancing astronomy education, sharing best practices, and supporting high‑quality public science engagement.
International Planetarium Society
A global organization connecting planetariums and astronomy educators worldwide, promoting excellence, collaboration, and innovation in immersive science learning experiences.
National Park Service Volunteers in Parks
A nationwide program supporting public education and outreach, where volunteers help deliver meaningful, accessible learning experiences within America’s treasured national parks.