[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 65 (Thursday, May 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E886-E887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ADLER PLANETARIUM CELEBRATES SPACE DAY

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                        HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 1999

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to recognize one of 
Chicago's premier institutions, the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy 
Museum and to celebrate Space Day 1999. Located on Chicago's beautiful 
lakefront, the Adler was founded in 1930 by Max Adler ``to be the 
foremost institution for the interpretation of the exploration of the 
Universe to the broadest possible audience.''
  Nearly 70 years later, the Adler has fulfilled Max Adler's mission by 
becoming one of the world's premier planetaria and astronomy museums. 
One of the first exhibits at the Adler featured a collection of 
historical scientific artifacts and rare books from around the world. 
This collection has grown dramatically, gained world-wide recognition 
and continues to be a mainstay of the Museum's exhibits.
  Today, the Adler continues to grow and remain on the cutting edge of 
technology. On January 8th, 1999, the Adler celebrated the completion 
of its new Sky Pavilion, the first phase of a comprehensive expansion 
project which will ultimately double the Adler's current exhibit space. 
The architecturally striking Sky Pavilion is a two-story, 60,000-
square-foot addition on the east side of the Adler's existing 1930 
landmark structure. This facility comprises four major exhibition 
galleries, including the world's first ``StarRider'' Theater, a 3-D 
interactive virtual reality experience which transports audiences to 
other planets, stars and distant galaxies.
  To fulfill its mission to reach the broadest audience, the Adler has 
become a key line between the astronomy research community and the 
education community. As a lead science museum, the Adler develops 
innovative education programs and exhibits and provides teacher 
training and support, as well as a field site for student experiences. 
Astronomers also work extensively with schools, complementing 
elementary and secondary school curricula, and have received 
enthusiastic support from teachers, principals, school councils and 
parents.
  Today, the Adler is celebrating Space Day '99 with a full slate of 
gallery programming. The local Chicago chapter of the Mars Society will 
sponsor an information booth on how we have viewed Mars in the past, 
how and why

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we are no traveling to Mars, and how we can transform Mars so it is 
suitable for humans. The Planetarium will also host video-conferencing 
sessions between astronomers and suburban Maine West High School 
students. Finally, Jim Plaxco of the Planetary Studies Foundation will 
give a lunchtime lecture on ``The Intelligent Traveler's Guide to 
Mars.'' These events demonstrate the wide variety of activities and 
experiences the Adler has to offer.
  Mr. Speaker, as we approach the 21st Century, it is clear that 
exploration of the cosmos is proceeding at a faster pace than ever 
before and the world is entering an exciting new ear of discovery. It 
is with an eye to the future that I invite all Members to join me in 
celebrating Space Day with the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum.

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