This is the best of what’s happening this week in space right here in the city of Chicago!

Space Microscope at The Field Museum

The Field Museum has reopened and in addition to an awesome meteorite gallery there is currently a pretty impressive microscope on display. The atom probe field-ion microscope is used to view atoms in materials, like meteorites, in 3-D. You can get a look at the huge scope for yourself in the Searle Lounge at the Field Museum. Hours and ticket information can be found here: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/

Summer Sky Shows at the Adler, Adler Planetarium, Sat, July 31, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:15 pm, and 1:15 pm

The Adler Planetarium has yet to fully reopen, but you can attend one of their Summer Sky Shows and explore the Universe. Tickets must be purchased in advance but there are several shows throughout the day. Ticket information and times can be found here: https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/event/summer-sky-shows/

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner Launch with NASA, NASATV, Friday, July 30th, 2pm CDT

NASA and Boeing are launching the Starliner spacecraft for an unmanned orbital flight test to the International Space Station. This test is critical to the commercial crew program so NASA coverage will include coverage from prelaunch activities all the way to rendezvous and docking. To watch these events, tune in here: https://www.nasa.gov/nasalive

NASA is also inviting members of the public to register to attend the launch virtually. Once registered you can access launch resources, videos, launch passport stamps and digital patches. Register here: Eventbrite