Chicago’s Night Sky

In a dark sky, you can see about 4,500 stars with the naked eye. In Chicago’s sky, you can see about 35.

As long as people have walked the Earth, they’ve looked to the sky as a creative muse, a constant companion, and a gateway to the mysteries of our universe. The Chicago’s Night Sky exhibition will help connect you—and the city around you—to the wondrous human tradition of looking up.

Chicago’s Night Sky features real science and research from several of the Adler’s program initiatives, including Far Horizons, Youth Organization for Lights Out, and Adler Zooniverse. Get a first-hand look at the work Adler teens and experts are doing to measure light pollution in Chicago and help find solutions to restore and protect dark skies.

Exhibition Highlights

Discover how people from all over the world have imagined shapes and pictures in the sky.
See the Adler’s world-renowned collection of celestial globes, star maps, and more.
Take part in real research by identifying constellations in historic celestial maps from the Adler’s collection.
Use digital interactive technology to create your own constellations in the sky.
Experiment with aspects of lighting design to learn how to build better lighting.
Get a first-hand look at the work Adler teens a part of Youth Organization for Lights Out (YOLO) and experts are doing to measure and discuss the effects of light pollution in their Chicago neighborhoods. They have used a method called Photovoice to document the impact of light pollution in their communities, and you can share your own light pollution story with them!
Create astronomy and space inspired art in the Community Star Studio.
Learn how to find interesting things to see in the night sky.
See how works of art can take us on journeys across the sky.
Chicago’s Night Sky features real science and research from several of the Adler’s original programs and initiatives, including Far Horizons, Youth Organization for Lights Out (YOLO), and Adler Zooniverse.
Take a ride in the Historic Atwood Sphere—the oldest operating sky simulator in the world.* (*Please note: This experience is currently closed. We apologize for any inconvenience.)

Community Star Studio

Two people sit at a table coloring on pieces of paper. — Two people sit at a table in the Adler Planetarium’s Community Star Studio participating in an activity where they are drawing what the night sky means to them.

The Community Star Studio is a space to reflect, imagine, and express yourself through art-making. Activities rotate seasonally from collaging to printmaking to drawing, and more. Inspired by the surrounding exhibition focused on the night sky, Star Studio offers an opportunity to explore the creative process and experiment with a variety of tools and materials. Staff hosts are there to answer questions and spark connections through conversation!

Hours: Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday–Saturday pending staff availability
Designed for guests age 12 and up; all ages welcome

Deeper Exploration

Featured Online Exhibition: Frederick J. Brown and the Milky Way

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Frederick J. Brown’s artistic process during the creation of “Milky Way,” the largest oil on canvas artwork in the planetarium and on display in Chicago’s Night Sky.