[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 8937] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]ADLER PLANETARIUM CELEBRATES SPACE DAY ______ HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER of illinois in the house of representatives Thursday, May 6, 1999 Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to recognize one of Chicago's premier institutions, the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum and to celebrate Space Day 1999. Located on Chicago's beautiful lakefront, the Adler was founded in 1930 by Max Adler ``to be the foremost institution for the interpretation of the exploration of the Universe to the broadest possible audience.'' Nearly 70 years later, the Adler has fulfilled Max Adler's mission by becoming one of the world's premier planetaria and astronomy museums. One of the first exhibits at the Adler featured a collection of historical scientific artifacts and rare books from around the world. This collection has grown dramatically, gained world-wide recognition and continues to be a mainstay of the Museum's exhibits. Today, the Adler continues to grow and remain on the cutting edge of technology. On January 8th, 1999, the Adler celebrated the completion of its new Sky Pavilion, the first phase of a comprehensive expansion project which will ultimately double the Adler's current exhibit space. The architecturally striking Sky Pavilion is a two-story, 60,000- square-foot addition on the east side of the Adler's existing 1930 landmark structure. This facility comprises four major exhibition galleries, including the world's first ``StarRider'' Theater, a 3-D interactive virtual reality experience which transports audiences to other planets, stars and distant galaxies. To fulfill its mission to reach the broadest audience, the Adler has become a key line between the astronomy research community and the education community. As a lead science museum, the Adler develops innovative education programs and exhibits and provides teacher training and support, as well as a field site for student experiences. Astronomers also work extensively with schools, complementing elementary and secondary school curricula, and have received enthusiastic support from teachers, principals, school councils and parents. Today, the Adler is celebrating Space Day '99 with a full slate of gallery programming. The local Chicago chapter of the Mars Society will sponsor an information booth on how we have viewed Mars in the past, how and why we are no traveling to Mars, and how we can transform Mars so it is suitable for humans. The Planetarium will also host video- conferencing sessions between astronomers and suburban Maine West High School students. Finally, Jim Plaxco of the Planetary Studies Foundation will give a lunchtime lecture on ``The Intelligent Traveler's Guide to Mars.'' These events demonstrate the wide variety of activities and experiences the Adler has to offer. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the 21st Century, it is clear that exploration of the cosmos is proceeding at a faster pace than ever before and the world is entering an exciting new ear of discovery. It is with an eye to the future that I invite all Members to join me in celebrating Space Day with the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum. ____________________