We toured some of the exhibits, went to a theater show about stars, looked at the sun through a telescope (using a special filter), and also sat in the historic Atwood Sphere.
Below Joel is standing by a meteorite.
The Atwood Sphere was especially interesting. Here is a description of it from the Planetarium's website:
"Atwood Sphere, Chicago's oldest planetarium, was constructed in 1913. The sphere is 15 feet in diameter with 692 holes drilled through its metal surface, allowing light to enter and show the positions of the brightest stars in the night sky.
Experience the night sky over Chicago as it appeared in 1913. Although the star positions have not changed since then, we can see only a small percentage of these stars in our current night sky due to light pollution. Enter the Atwood Sphere to be guided through an audio experience identifying stars and the constellations they form."
The Planetarium was very educational and would be a great place to bring kids. I learned quite a bit too and enjoyed the experience.
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