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
Thursday, April 16, 2026 (11:00 am–12:00 pm)
Dr. Geza Gyuk (Adler Planetarium): High-energy Astrophysics, Asteroids, Light Pollution, General Astronomy
Saturday, April 18, 2026 (11:00 am–1:00 pm)
Alice Cai (Northwestern University): Galactic Center
Dr. Daniel Fabrycky (University of Chicago): Exoplanets
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 (6:00 pm–8:00 pm)
Daisy Matthews (Illinois Institute of Technology): Supernovae, Blue Straggler Stars
Edin Peskovic (Illinois Institute of Technology): Stellar Evolution
Thursday, April 23, 2026 (11:00 am–12:00 pm)
Dr. Cliff Johnson (Adler Planetarium): Citizen Science, Star Formation
Saturday, April 25, 2026 (11:00 am–1:00 pm)
Andrea Ceja (Northwestern University): Black Holes, Gravitational Waves
Nicole Flors (Northwestern University): Accretion, Fluid Dynamics, Compact Objects
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (6:00 pm–8:00 pm)
Dr. Prudhvi Raj Varma Chintalapati (Fermilab): Cosmology
Dr. Walter Tangarife (Loyola University): Dark Matter, Neutrinos, Black Holes
Thursday, April 30, 2026 (11:00 am–12:00 pm)
Dr. Michael Zevin (Adler Planetarium): Gravitational Waves, Compact Objects, Stellar Evolution, General Astronomy
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.
