Adler Planetarium’s “What Is a Planet?” Exhibition Wins International Competition

The Adler Planetarium’s latest exhibition What is a Planet? has been awarded first prize in the 2016 British Society for the History of Science (BSHS) Great Exhibitions competition.

The BSHS Outrech and Education Committee announced winners today in the 2016 Exhibits on the History of Science, Technology and Medicine. Funded by the B. Gee bequest, the competition is open to any public exhibition that deals with the history of science, the history of technology, or the history of medicine. Entrants from institutions in any country were encouraged to apply and exhibits could be either permanent or temporary. Eligible exhibits had to include artifacts or places of some kind and could include buildings or locations, pictures, instruments, objects and books. The main judging criteria for this prize is audience experience, therefore judges took into consideration originality, clarity, design, and learning.

“We are delighted to be able to recognize the exhibition in this way as we felt that it was very carefully crafted and blended historical research and objects with a contemporary focus in a truly engaging and innovative way,” said Dr. James Stark, Chair of the Outreach and Education Committee, BSHS and University Academic Fellow in Medical Humanities, University of Leeds, UK. “In a strong field, What is a Planet? was a clear winner.”

“Adler Planetarium is truly honored to be recognized by BSHS for our world-defining exhibit, What is a Planet?,” said Pedro M. P. Raposo, DPhil, Curator, Adler Planetarium. “What is a Planet? addresses the most compelling questions in astronomy like why isn’t Pluto a planet anymore? in a fun, dynamic way, and demonstrates how new approaches and perspectives in science can help change our view of the universe.”

What is a Planet? tackles the oft-debated question: How do you define a planet? In 2006, the International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet to the dismay of many Pluto-lovers worldwide. As scientists learn more about how the Universe works, they make discoveries that may challenge old ways of thinking. For instance, the accepted definition of a planet has changed a lot in the past 500 years. In What is a Planet?, visitors explore artifacts from the Adler’s collections that show how “planets” aren’t what they used to be, witness how astronomers and the media reacted to Pluto’s reclassification in 2006, and find out what makes a planet today.

A temporary exhibit, hat is a Planet? will close on January 9, 2017, to make room for Adler Planetarium’s newest exhibit, Chasing Eclipses, which will immerse guests in the spine-tingling, goosebumpinducing experience of a total solar eclipse and prepare them for the great North American solar eclipse slated for August 21, 2017. Chasing Eclipses opens March 25, 2017. special event draws friends and family together to do something good for themselves and their community. The race is also one of the biggest fundraisers for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. In fact, last year it raised nearly $12,500 in donations and more than 7,200 pounds of food.

“More than 8,000 people kicked off their Thanksgiving Day festivities by taking part in the 39th Annual Turkey Day Run in Lincoln Park. Following the race, participants enjoyed a Turkey Day Tailgate. The festive, family-friendly event is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, raising thousands of pounds of food for those in need this holiday season.”

P.S. Did you know that Thanksgiving is the largest day for running events in the country??