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.

Astronomy Conversations

Location: Located on the Lower Level in between the entrances to the Community Stargazers Hub, and Telescopes: Through The Looking Glass exhibitions

As the featured program inside the Space Visualization Lab (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. Perfect for museum guests of all ages

Upcoming Adler Researchers & Visiting Scientists

Saturday, March 7, 2026 (11:00 am–1:00 pm)
Dr. Cosmin Deaconu (University of Chicago): Particle Astrophysics
Dr. Dominic Samra (University of Chicago): Exoplanet Atmospheres

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (6:00 pm–8:00 pm)
Dr. Debatri Chattopadhyay (Northwestern University): Gravitational Waves, Stellar Evolution, Pulsars
Ryn Grutkoski (University of Chicago): Theoretical Cosmology

Thursday, March 12, 2026 (11:00 am–12:00 pm)
Dr. Cliff Johnson (Adler Planetarium): Citizen Science, Star Formation

Saturday, March 14, 2026 (11:00 am–1:00 pm)
Dr. Debatri Chattopadhyay (Northwestern University): Gravitational Waves, Stellar Evolution, Pulsars
Dr. Mainak Mukhopadhyay (Fermilab / University of Chicago): Astroparticle Physics, Neutrinos, Cosmology

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (6:00 pm–8:00 pm)
To be announced

Thursday, March 19, 2026 (11:00 am–12:00 pm)
Dr. Shanika Galaudage (Adler Planetarium / Northwestern University): Gravitational Waves, Compact Objects

Saturday, March 21, 2026 (11:00 am–1:00 pm)
Saarah Hall (Northwestern University): Time-Domain Astronomy, Transients
Gideon McFarland (Northwestern University): Dark Energy

Sunday, March 22, 2026 (11:00 am–1:00 pm)
Dr. Mainak Mukhopadhyay (Fermilab / University of Chicago): Astroparticle Physics, Neutrinos, Cosmology

 

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (6:00 pm–8:00 pm)
Dr. Ish Gupta (Northwestern University): Gravitational Waves, Compact Objects, Cosmology
Dr. Yunyang Li (University of Chicago): Cosmology, Cosmic Microwave Background

Thursday, March 26, 2026 (11:00 am–12:00 pm)
Dr. Laura Trouille (Adler Planetarium): Citizen Science, Galaxy Evolution

Saturday, March 28, 2026 (11:00 am–1:00 pm)
Dr. Amy Bender (Argonne National Lab): Cosmic Microwave Background, Cosmology

Sunday, March 29, 2026 (11:00 am–1:00 pm)
To be announced

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.