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 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, Thursdays 11:00 am–12:00 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 exhibitions
Perfect for museum guests of all ages

December 2024 Adler Researchers And Visiting Scientists In The SVL

Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Emily Simon (University of Chicago): Supernovae, Particle Physics
Dr. Christoph Welling (University of Chicago): Astroparticle Physics, Neutrinos

Thursday, December 12, 2024
Dr. Mike Zevin (Adler Planetarium): Gravitational Waves, Compact Objects, Stellar Evolution, General Astronomy

Saturday, December 14, 2024
Pavani Jairam (Northwestern University): High Energy Astrophysics

Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Ryn Grutkoski (University of Chicago): Theoretical Cosmology
Dr. Alexander Ji (University of Chicago): Near-field Cosmology, Dwaft Galaxies, Supernovae

Thursday, December 19, 2024
Dr. Cliff Johnson (Adler Planetarium): Citizen Science, Star Formation

Saturday, December 21, 2024
Dr. Christopher O’Connor (Northwestern University): Extrasolar Planets, Stellar Evolution, Fluid Dynamics

Saturday, December 28, 2024
Gideon McFarland (Northwestern University): Dark Energy

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.