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

November 2024 Adler Researchers And Visiting Scientists In The SVL

Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Beryl Hovis-Afflerbach (Northwestern University): Massive Stars, High-redshift Galaxies

Thursday, November 21, 2024
Dr. Geza Gyuk (Adler Planetarium): High-energy Astrophysics, Asteroids, Light Pollution, General Astronomy

Saturday, November 23, 2024
Dr. Candice Stauffer (Industry): Computational Astrophysics, Machine Learning, Transient

Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Ryn Grutkoski (University of Chicago ): Theoretical Cosmology

Saturday, November 30, 2024
TBA

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.