In 1609, Galileo was the first person to use a telescope to observe objects in the sky. Many say this signaled a new era in exploration.
In honor of the 400th anniversary of this historic event, the Adler Planetarium will celebrate the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) in 2009 with two new shows.
Get a sneak peek at a never-before-seen rare telescope that will take you virtually to the moon. Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass opens officially on May 22, 2009. This exquisite piece is from 18th century Italy and it will illustrate telescopes as small as a foot, to twenty feet long. The Adler will unveil the most comprehensive telescope exhibition of its kind in the world.
Long before the telescope exhibit opens, check-out a musical journey through space in 3-D Universe: A Symphony. The adventure begins in a virtual art gallery where pictures serve as portals into outer-space. Discover stars, black holes, and faraway galaxies as you are immersed in the music of Mussorgsky's suite Pictures at an Exhibition, as performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
3-D Universe: A Symphony features breath-taking, high-definition stereo pictures, and animations that many have never been seen before -- it will also brings the Universe to you in a unique sensory experience.
Adler Planetarium: International Year of Astronomy 2009
