Sept 15th, 2017: First American Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium in Chicago opened its doors to the public in 1930, complete with three full sized theatres and a significant collection of antique scientific instruments dating back to the late 15th century, acquired by wealthy businessman Max Adler. He had learned of a sale of astronomical instruments and antiques by W. M. Mensing in Amsterdam, which he purchased in its entirety.

Miniature Sun Dials

Today while the planetarium inspires exploration and understand of the universe upstairs, down below, they’re also hiding an incredible archive of the museum’s curiosities that aren’t on display. The Webster Institute for the History of Astronomy cares for Adler’s collections, and occasionally has ‘explorer days’ when they let the public come and poke around their cabinets.

Epic Planetariums and Rare Telescopes


And of course Pocket Globes for gentlemen who get caught rustling their pants with a hand in their pocket.




link

When as a kid I visited Adler and watched the planetarium projector show, there was a segment in which they projected lines to connect the stars that formed various constellations. After a few of the better known ones, they did one just for the youngest viewers - constellation Snoopy! Adler may have done it first.

I wonder if this artist was inspired by a childhood visit to Adler?

Never been there.. I'm near SF so I've been to the Morrison Planetarium in the Science Museum. I always love the shows.