In 1609, Galileo was the first person to use a telescope to observe objects in the sky signaling a new era of exploration. In honor of the 400th anniversary of this historic event, the Adler will celebrate the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) in 2009 with two new shows, 3-D Universe: A Symphony, an immersive musical journey through the Universe and IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System, a scientific exploration of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission and spacecraft. Also in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, the Adler will unveil the most comprehensive telescope exhibition of its kind, Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass, opening May 22, 2009.

Throughout 2009, the Adler will also offer public observing events and programming that will communicate the impact of astronomy and space exploration on society and culture while inspiring a new generation of explorers to look up at the sky.