Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum

The Adler Planetarium — America's First Planetarium — was founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler. The museum is home to three full-size theaters, extensive space science exhibitions, and one of the world's most important antique astronomical instrument collections on display. The Adler is a recognized leader in science education, with a focus on inspiring young people, particularly women and minorities, to pursue careers in science.

CITY: Chicago

William M. Staerkel Planetarium

Do some star gazing at the second-largest planetarium in Illinois, located at Parkland College. More than 7,000 stars are projected onto the planetarium’s 50-foot dome. The Planetarium also features special children’s presentations and rock-and-roll light shows.

CITY: Champaign

Deep Space Adventure

Adler Planetarium will reveal Deep Space Adventure, a new, immersive space experience like no other in the world. Visitors will come aboard the observation deck of a futuristic starship for an adventure through deep space.The centerpiece of the experience is the Grainger Sky Theater (formerly the historic Sky Theater), which will open as the most technologically advanced theater ever developed.

CITY: Chicago

Planet Explorers

3-2-1 Blast off! Get ready for the ultimate planetary play date. The Adler's new permanent exhibition Planet Explorers allows families with children ages 3 - 8 take the helm in this modern-day space adventure. Children will enter a world where they can play and learn what it takes to be part of a mission to outer space. They will become scientists, astronauts, and space explorers. Imagine studying the Moon from your own backyard with your very own telescope. Be a Mission Control specialist guiding the next rocket flight into space, or climb a gantry like a real astronaut and blast a 26-foot tall rocket off to new worlds. In the space station, learn how to operate the robotic arm to do important tasks and take a very special walk into space. Try your hand at planet exploration by driving rovers over the Planet X terrain. Drive X-Movers, crawl through and discover secret tunnels, and do cool experiments in the Planet X Lab. Free with general admission.

CITY: Chicago

Gravity Shapes the Universe

Gravity Shapes the Universe is a three room exhibit that talks about gravity on Earth, in Space and in the extreme environment of a black hole. Even though we feel like gravity is down, actually gravity is together -- we are pulled towards the Earth, no matter if we are standing in Chicago or on the South Pole.The pull of gravity depends on how big the planet is, which is proven through an interactive exhibit that shows how heavy a soda can is on the Moon, Earth and Jupiter.

CITY: Chicago

Cernan Earth and Space Center

The Cernan Earth & Space Center of Triton College features a variety of earth and sky shows, children's shows, laser light shows, earth and space exhibits, and the Star Store gift shop.

CITY: River Grove

Challenger Learning Center for Science & Technology

The mission of the center is to honor the memory and spirit of the Space Shuttle Challenger 51L crew by providing hands-on space exploration curriculum and center that enhances thinking skills and inspires those to meet the challenges of 21st Century.

CITY: Woodstock

Strickler Planetarium

Witness the history of the universe from its fiery birth to the formation of our own solar system on a state-of-the-art digital projector that gives a multimedia and full-dome show. Open year round, there are several shows scheduled during the week.

CITY: Bourbonnais

Illinois State University Planetarium

The night sky is recreated in this 100-seat celestial theater-in-the-round operated by ISU's Physics Department.

CITY: Normal

Shoot for the Moon

This exciting permanent exhibition features the fully restored Gemini 12 spacecraft and tells the story of astronaut Captain James A. Lovell, Jr.'s life and career using artifacts from his personal collection. Opens Nov. 6, 2008

CITY: Chicago