To Infinity and Beyond on your Chicago Bus Tour
Sit back and gaze at the planets. Gain a fascinating insight into the deepest reaches of the solar system. Watch stars being born and learn about the mystery of dark matter. With 3 full-sized planetariums to choose from, there are mesmerizing shows to enjoy and experience all day long.
You’ll learn about space exploration too. Make sure to visit Mission Moon. You’ll hear about America’s first steps into space through the eyes of NASA’s Captain James A. Lovell Jr. Have you got what it takes to be an astronaut?
A treasure trove
It’s not all stars and planets. There are plenty of smaller objects to catch the eye here too. After all, Adler is home to one of the world’s finest collections of astronomical artefacts, including treasures like the world’s oldest known window sundial, and a telescope made by William Herschel, the man who discovered Uranus in 1781.
Island hopping
Keep your eyes peeled on the way here. The planetarium is actually built on what was once an artificial island on Lake Michigan and offers one of the best views of the Chicago skyline. Your Chicago Bus Tour will travel over a permanent land link to the island to get you right to the door.
Other interesting facts about Adler Planetarium
- Founded by Chicago businessman Max Adler, it opened in 1930 and was the first modern planetarium in the western hemisphere
- In 1933, the planetarium used light from the star Arcturus to turn on the lights at the World’s Fair in 1933
- The dedication plaque in the Rainbow Lobby doesn’t include Pluto – the former planet was discovered after the plaque was created.
- The show ‘Destination Solar System’ includes scientific visualisations created from the most recent data available
