Opening Night at the Adler Planetarium

On Thursday, August 30, Chicon 7 will be taking over the Adler Planetarium for an evening reception for convention members. This exclusive event will run from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The museum will be closed to the general public.

During the reception, Chicon members can view the museum exhibits. Weather permitting, the museum will also host a sky-viewing session on its exterior deck, with telescopes and docents provided to members so they can see the wonders waiting in the night sky.

In addition, the Grainger Sky Theater will be running the show 'The Searcher' every 30 minutes. This show was written by Nick Sagan (son of astronomer Carl Sagan) and follows the story of a visitor from another galaxy as he searches for his lost civilization. It features stunning visualizations of the formation of our universe, the collision of galaxies, a spectacular supernova explosion, and a supermassive black hole. (Seating in the theater is limited, so there will be a $5 charge for admission to this performance.)

Chicon 7 will be providing shuttle buses (including a handicapped-accessible bus) to run between the Hyatt Regency Chicago and the Adler Planetarium for First Night to ensure adequate transportation for all Chicon 7 members.

Details

Museum Entry: 6:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Badges or proof of membership to Chicon 7 required to board shuttles and to enter the Adler Planetarium.

Shuttle Service: 6:00 - 11:00 p.m.
8 Classic Coach Chicago buses will be shuttling between the Hyatt Regency Chicago and the Adler Planetarium.

Hyatt Regency pick-up/drop-off:   Wacker Drive in front of the East Tower
Adler Planetarium pick-up/drop-off:   Solidarity Drive in front the museum

One bus will be equipped with a wheelchair lift in which there will be accommodation for 2 scooters or wheelchairs. Priority for this bus will be given to those with mobility devices and to their companions.

Driving: Parking will be available after 4 p.m. for $13 at the Adler Planetarium Lot on Solidarity Drive. The lot will hold up to 550 cars.

Museum Entrance: South Lobby (accessible entrance)
Please do not bring bags larger than a purse or large coats. Small pay lockers will be available by the South Lobby entrance, but are limited.

The Grainger Sky Theater
'The Searcher' will be showing at the following times: 6:45, 7:30, 8:15, 9:00, and 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: The cost per ticket is $5 cash or credit. Tickets can be purchased in the Planetarium's Rainbow Lobby the night of the event. There are 199 seats available per show and are sold on a first come/first served basis.

Galileo Cafe: Light snacks and a cash bar will be served in the Galileo Cafe.
Food and drink are allowed in Cafe, Terrace, Rainbow Lobby and Solar System Exhibit only.

Gaze at the Stars! Four telescopes will be set up on the Upper Terrace for our use. Docents will be available to help you navigate the night sky. Guests are encouraged to bring and set up their own telescopes on the Lower and Middle Terraces. Please note that guests are responsible for their personal telescopes.

Doane Observatory: Need a closer look? The Doane Observatory will be open (from about 8:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.) for our use, start time depending upon sunset. Entry to the Doane Observatory is around the back of the museum from the Lower Terrace. The observatory can hold up to 15 people at a time.

Adler staff and security will be stationed throughout Adler if you need assistance or have any questions.

Wearing costumes during the First Night event is encouraged!

Can't get enough of the Adler Planetarium? Chicon 7 badges are good for free entry to the museum from Friday through Monday of the convention!