The Adler ‘Scope

Chicago has long been a city of stargazers. And one way or another, all astronomical roads in Chicago have led to the Adler since it became the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere in 1930. Here are a few stories, objects, and documents from our collections that remind us how the Adler has helped Chicagoans […]

Changes are coming to Chicago’s nights. The city is replacing streetlights with a new generation of lighting. These new lights will change how our neighborhoods look and how we view the sky. Will new lighting worsen light pollution? How can we help keep the stars visible for Chicago? Learn how the Adler Planetarium is helping […]

Author: Chris Bresky (Former Teen Programs Manager) A year ago, an incredibly common thing happened. A large meteor entered our atmosphere over the Midwest, exploded, and rained down hundreds of meteorites into Lake Michigan. Thousands of meteorites fall to Earth every year; this on paper isn’t all that astounding. What’s even more common is that […]

On May 9, 2018, Dr. Daniel P. Schrag, Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at Harvard University, was a guest lecturer as part of our Kavli Fulldome Lecture Series. Dr. Schrag discussed the increase of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere due to burning coal, oil, and gas, as well as how it represents an unprecedented […]

Light pollution is a problem that affects 99 percent of the U.S. population in some way; and two-thirds of us cannot see the Milky Way in our night skies. Light pollution has been shown to affect human health, wildlife, and ecosystems; and billions of dollars are wasted each year as our lights are pointed upward. […]

Watching the skies as they change—from day to night, from season to season—is a pastime as old as civilization. It’s even more fun when you know something about what you’re watching. Here are a few sky highlights you can see for yourself in the month of October 2018. The planet Mars is the brightest readily […]

Editor’s Note: Updated in May 2023 to reflect more current and updated information. Lynette M. Former Manager of Program Development; Innovator What do you enjoy the most about working at the Adler? I love the creative nature of my job—figuring out ways to make space science engaging and relevant for all audiences. I also love […]

Michelle N. Director of Public Observing Why do you love working at the Adler? I am surrounded by amazing, enthusiastic colleagues, our programs are fun and innovative, and our visitors are the best because they are as geeked-out about science as we are! Who wouldn’t want to work here? What is the most memorable thing […]

Editor’s Note: Updated in May 2023 to reflect more current and updated information. Lucianne W. Former Astronomer Why do you love working at the Adler? I love working at the Adler because I get to pursue cutting-edge research while being an “Ambassador to the Stars!” What is the most memorable thing you have done during […]

Editor’s Note: Updated in May 2023 to reflect more current and updated information. Kyle S. Former Manager of Program Development What do you enjoy most about working at the Adler? No two days are ever the same! What’s your fondest Adler memory? The Curiosity Landing Party we hosted in August 2012. It was amazing to […]