This week in space is back by popular demand, and just in time to share a packed week of space themed events happening all over the city of Chicago and beyond. We rounded up the best of what’s on offer that will take you to the city’s many University campuses to library branches to dark suburban skies.
Read on for the best of what’s happening this week in space.
Naperville Astronomical Association (NAA) Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, October 13, 7:30-9:00pm
300 E Gartner Rd, Naperville
Join the Naperville Astronomical Association for a presentation from Head Curator at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Dr. Voula Saridakis to learn more about her work bringing space to the masses. This event is free and open to the public. More information here: NAA
SpaceX 35th Resupply Launch to the Space Station
Tuesday, October 13, 5:33am
Cape Canaveral Space Station, Florida
NASA and SpaceX are targeting Tuesday for the launch of the 35th resupply mission to the International Space Station. NASA will provide live coverage of the launch beginning at 5:15am on NASA LIVE. You can learn more about the launch and the science and hardware here: NASA
Listening to the Universe with Gravitational Waves
Thursday, October 15, 6:00-7:00pm
Sulzer Regional CPL Branch
Join the Chicago Public Library and Astrophysicist, Shanika Galaudage for a look at how astronomers use gravitational waves to explore the Universe. This event is part of the Chicago Public Library’s One Book, One Chicago series. More information here: CPL
Stargazing at Naperville Riverwalk with the NAA
Thursday, October 15, 7:00-9:00pm
Dandelion Fountain, Naperville
Members of the Naperville Astronomical Association are hosting a free stargazing event that is open to the public. Spend the night peering at the Moon, and other objects in the night sky, through telescopes set up by club members. More information here: NAA
Stargazing at Heritage Park
Friday, October 16th, 7:30-9:30pm
14240 West 151st Street, Homer Glen
The city of Homer Glen is hosting a free night of stargazing to celebrate the city’s designation as an International Dark Sky Community. Local amateur astronomy organizations will set up telescopes in the park for the public to view the night sky. More information here: Homer Glen
Dearborn Observatory Tours
Friday, October 16, 9:00-10:00pm
2131 Tech Drive, Evanston
Free tours of the Dearborn Observatory are free to the public every Friday evening. More information here: Dearborn Observatory
Lost In Space with the Jazz Institute of Chicago
Saturday, October 17, 11:00am-12:00pm
Brainerd CPL Branch
The Jazz Institute of Chicago presents Lost in Space, a music series inspired by astronomy, for audiences at the library as part of the One Book, One Chicago program. More information here: CPL
Compton Lecture with Andy Davis and the University of Chicago
Saturday, October 17, 11:00am
UChicago Kersten Physics Teaching Center, 5720 S Ellis Ave, Room 106
The University of Chicago Cosmochemistry professor, Andy Davis delivers a lecture on the field of cosmochemistry as part of the Compton Lecture Series. More information here: Compton Lecture Series
NAA Stargazing Night at the Observatory
Saturday, October 17, 7:00-10:00
3712 Plainfield Naperville Rd, Naperville
The NAA is opening its observatory and astronomy education center to the public for an evening of stargazing under darker skies. More information here: NAA

