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
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.
- Hours: Wednesdays 6:00 pm–8:00 pm and Saturdays 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
- Hours (School Groups Only): Thursdays 11:00 am–12:00 pm
- Location: Located on the Lower Level in between the entrances to the Community Stargazers Hub, and Telescopes: Through The Looking Glass exhibitions
- Perfect for museum guests of all ages
Upcoming 2025 Adler Researchers & Visiting Scientists
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (6:00 pm–8:00 pm)
Dr. John Hood (University of Chicago): Active Galactic Nuclei, Experimental Cosmology, Transients
Thursday, October 9, 2025 (11:00 am–12:00 pm)
Open For School Groups
Dr. Cliff Johnson (Adler Planetarium): Citizen Science, Star Formation
Saturday, October 11, 2025 (1:00 pm–3:00 pm)
Ilia Kiato (Northwestern University): Compact Binaries, Stellar Evolution
Nathalie Korhonen Cuestas (Northwestern University): Galaxy Evolution
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (6:00 pm–8:00 pm)
Pavani Jairam (Northwestern University): High Energy Astrophysics
Emily Simon (University of Chicago): Supernovae, Particle Physics
Thursday, October 16, 2025 (11:00 am–12:00 pm)
Open For School Groups
Dr. Shanika Galaudage (Adler Planetarium/Northwestern): Gravitational Waves, Compact Objects
Saturday, October 18, 2025 (1:00 pm–3:00 pm)
Erik Solhaug (University of Chicago): First Galaxies, Gravitational Lensing, Reionization
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 (6:00 pm–8:00 pm)
Ryn Grutkoski (University of Chicago): Theoretical Cosmology
Thursday, October 23, 2025 (11:00 am–12:00 pm)
Open For School Groups
Dr. Michael Zevin (Adler Planetarium): Gravitational Waves, Compact Objects, Stellar Evolution, General Astronomy
Saturday, October 25, 2025 (1:00 pm–3:00 pm)
Dr. Amy Bender (Argonne National Lab): Cosmic Microwave Background, Cosmology
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (6:00 pm–8:00 pm)
Daisy Bissonette (University of Chicago): Dwarf Galaxies, Galactic Archaeology, Stars
Dr. Katie Harrington (Argonne National Lab): Experimental Cosmology, Cosmic Microwave Background
Thursday, October 30, 2025 (11:00 am–12:00 pm)
Open For School Groups
Dr. Shanika Galaudage (Adler Planetarium/Northwestern): Gravitational Waves, Compact Objects
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.
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Astronomy Conversations is presented by Travel Nevada.