There is so much happening in space this week, both in Chicago and on the launch pad. Two launches, one a historic first, a space themed virtual party, free museum days, and the chance to tour the night sky.
This is your guide to what’s happening this week in space.
SpaceX Starlink Launch, Vandenberg Space Force Base, September 13, 10:55 pm CDT
SpaceX will launch another 51 Starlink satellites to space from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This is an instantaneous launch window with backup dates already set for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Inspiration4 Launch, Kennedy Space Center, Sept. 15, 7pm CDT
Inspiration4 is expected to launch from Kennedy Space Center on a SpaceX Falcon9. The first all civilian crew of four will orbit the Earth for three days where they will conduct space science experiments. Keep an eye on SpaceX’s website for livestream details, which have yet to be announced: SpaceX
Free Admission Day at The Field, Field Museum, Sept 15, 9-5
Take advantage of one of the free admission days at The Field Museum to check out the large meteorite collection. Illinois residents able to prove residency get basic admission to the museum several days throughout the year so be sure to print off the entire list of free days. More info: Adler
Astronomy in the Parks, 606 Bloomington Trail, Friday Sept. 17, 7-9:30 pm
Join our very own Chicago Astronomer, Joe Guzman, for a night out in the parks. Evenings start with an astro chat and ends with the chance to view celestial objects through telescopes that have been set up. Details below:
Coming up next week, and worth keeping on your radar is another Astronomy in the Parks event at Steelworkers Park on Monday the 20th.
Adler Planetarium Celestial Ball, Virtual, Sept. 18 2021, 6 pm CDT
The annual Celestial Ball has gone virtual, giving everyone in the world the chance to celebrate space with the Adler Planetarium. Retired astronaut, Joan Higginbotham will be speaking about her NASA experience. The event is free and will be livestreamed on the Adler’s YouTube Channel: Adler event page
Space Center Exhibits, Cernan Earth and Space Center, River Grove, M-F 9:30-4:30
Cernan Earth and Space Center is home to a collection of spaceflight artifacts, a telescope exhibit, and an outdoor Nike Tomahawk missile and an Apollo capsule that was used in practice runs. The planetarium is not open for live shows at the moment, but guests are welcome to view the exhibits. More info here: Cernan
