[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 63 (Friday, May 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E977]]
      CONGRATULATING THE ADLER PLANETARIUM ON ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JUDY BIGGERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2005

  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Adler 
Planetarium on its 75th Anniversary. As the first planetarium 
established in America and the Western Hemisphere, it has firm standing 
as a pioneer in the field of astronomy. Its focus on the heavens has 
inspired generations to reach for the stars.
  Among its many accomplishments in the past 75 years, there are 
several that are especially stellar. Astronomers at Adler helped 
convert light from the star Arcturus into the electrical signals that 
turned on the opening lights at the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago. Adler 
began a partnership with the National Science Foundation in 1964 to 
create the Astro-Science workshop for Chicago area high school 
students--a relationship that endures to this day. And earlier this 
year, NASA selected Adler to be its education partner for the 
Interstellar Boundary Explorer mission, set to launch in 2008. It is 
clear that, in the opening years of the new millennium, Adler's great 
tradition of space and science research is stronger than ever.
  The Adler Planetarium houses one of the world's finest collections of 
historic astronomical artifacts, dating as far back as the 12th 
century. A centerpiece of this collection is the world's oldest 
sundial, which was crafted in 1529. It also has a telescope once used 
by William Herschel, the astronomer who discovered Uranus in 1781.
  Adler has made investments in Chicago area schools to provide them 
with access to exhibits, astronomers, and scientists through 
videoconferencing, enhanced websites, and learning instruction 
techniques. These efforts to educate Chicagoans young and old are a 
core part of its mission.
  Mr. Speaker, for many years, children of all ages have been 
fascinated by space and the world beyond our own. Modern youngsters 
watch clips of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon and gaze to the 
heavens in wonder--wondering how it was done and how they can do it 
themselves. As a planetarium, Adler harnesses these vague dreams of 
space science, space walks, and space travel into tangible reality. The 
inspiration it feeds our youth is arguably its most important 
contribution in the past 75 years.
  With the hopes that it continues its great works for at least another 
75 years, I am proud to congratulate the Adler Planetarium on its 
diamond anniversary.