Space Visualization Lab
Talk to astronomers about cutting-edge research and experience awe-inspiring visualizations!
In this working laboratory, scientists, technology experts, artists, and educators work together to create new ways for people to virtually explore the universe. Since its inauguration in 2007, the Space Visualization Lab has brought cutting-edge research from scientists in the most prominent institutions around the country, as well as immersive and interactive technologies to the museum floor. In the Space Visualization Lab, visitors can experience new interactive and immersive visualizations and attend presentations by astronomers and related researchers featuring these visualizations.
Featured SVL Projects
Astronomy Conversations
As the featured program inside the SVL, Astronomy Conversations hosts Adler researchers and visiting scientists to engage museum guests about their research, complemented by SVL visuals, but lets the museum guests steer the conversation towards any astronomical topic they are interested in.
Having practicing scientists interact with museum guests in this space helps to disseminate cutting-edge astronomical research while adding a crucial human element to scientific research and making space science more accessible.
- Hours: Open Wednesdays 6:00 pm–8:00 pm and Saturdays 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
- Located on the Lower Level in between the entrances to the Community Stargazers Hub, and Telescopes: Through The Looking Glass exhibition.
- Perfect for museum guests of all ages
Coming to the Adler this May:
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Imran Sultan, Northwestern University, Galaxy Formation, Cosmology
Andrew Marszewski, Northwestern University, Extragalactic Astrophysics
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Sylvia Biscoveanu, Northwestern University, Gravitational-wave Astronomy
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Lauren Saunders, Fermilab, Cosmic Microwave Background Experimentation
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Nycole Wenner, Northwestern University, Radio Astronomy
Hanjue Zhu, University of Chicago, Plasma Astrophysics, Cosmology
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Goni Halevi, Northwestern University, Compact Objects, Supernovae, Nucleosynthesis
Katie Harrington, Argonne, Experimental Cosmology, Cosmic Microwave Background
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Danial Glazer, University of Chicago, Black Holes, Theoretical Cosmology
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Erin Healy, University of Chicago, Experimental Cosmology, Cosmic Microwave Background
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Cosmin Deaconu, University of Chicago, Particle Astrophysics
Emily Simon, University of Chicago, Supernovae, Particle Physics
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Christoph Welling, University of Chicago, Astroparticle Physics, Neutrinos
Cyndia Yu, Argonne/University of Chicago, Cosmology, Cosmic Microwave Background, Instrumentation
Worldwide Telescope
Worldwide Telescope (WWT) is an open-source visualization software package that enables your computer to function as a virtual telescope. Adler SVL staff have contributed to the content and development of WWT. Worldwide Telescope was used to create the Adler’s former sky show, Cosmic Wonder, and it powers several exhibits throughout the museum.
